The Bowes Museum is continuing its Book Club this autumn and winter, bringing together literature, art and heritage through a series of discussions led by expert curators.
Hosted within the museum galleries, each session offers readers the opportunity to explore stories through the collections, with curatorial insight and access to objects that reflect the themes of each book, from medieval tapestries and Renaissance Italy to contemporary fiction.
The next session takes place on Sunday 27 September and explores Tracy Chevalier’s The Lady and the Unicorn with Rachel Whitworth, Curator of Fashion and Textiles.
Readers and culture lovers are invited to a series of cultural Sunday afternoons at the
Bowes Book Club, held in The Bowes Museum’s aptly named Conversation Space. The
series continues this Autumn and Winter with a unique curator-led programme offering
much more than a traditional book group.
Each session includes an introduction to the chosen book, context-setting from an expert
curator, dedicated time to discuss the book and its themes with refreshments in an
atmospheric setting. Readers will also have access to the museum’s galleries with the
opportunity to get close to objects from its world class collection, as curators draw
connections between the worlds of art, design and fashion from across time and the
selected book.
Tickets and what’s included
Tickets for each session of the Bowes Book Club cost £10. Museum admission is also
required and this starts from £20 for day tickets or from £25 for annual membership.
Members enjoy free admission throughout the year.
Each session of the Book Club includes:
- A specialist introduction from one of The Bowes Museum’s curators.
- Up-close engagement with objects from the museum’s collection, set in the
galleries to enrich the storytelling experience. - Insightful discussion led by expert knowledge.
- 10% off books in the Museum Shop on the day of the session when Book Club
ticket holders present their ticket at the point of purchase.
Bowes Book Club Autumn/Winter Programme
Sunday 27 September: The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier
Explore the woven world of The Lady and the Unicorn, Tracy Chevalier’s story behind the
creation of one of the most celebrated tapestry series of the medieval period. Blending art
and symbolism, the novel brings to life hidden meanings behind this extraordinary work.
This session will be introduced by Rachel Whitworth, Curator of Fashion and Textiles, who
will explore links to The Bowes Museum’s tapestry collection and the ways textiles can
carry stories across centuries.
Sunday 18 October: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
Travel to Renaissance Italy with The Marriage Portrait, Maggie O’Farrell’s reimagining of
the life of Lucrezia de’ Medici, a young duchess navigating marriage and power in an
unfamiliar court. This session will be introduced by Jane Whittaker, Collections Manager,
who will share objects from sixteenth century Italy currently in the museum’s collection. In
the picture gallery, visitors will be able to see a portrait of a Medici official, bringing the
story to life.
Sunday 22 November: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
Unravel the web of secrets within Rock Paper Scissors, Alice Feeney’s psychological thriller
about a couple whose anniversary trip to a remote chapel reveals the fragile games people
play in relationships. Introduced by Rachel Whitworth, Curator of Fashion and Textiles,
who will explore links between the novel’s themes of marriage and anniversaries
alongside materials from cotton to silk.
Sunday 20 December: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Be transported to The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s contemporary novel about Nora Seed,
who finds herself in a mysterious library between life and death where each book she pulls
from the shelves offers the chance to explore a different version of her life. Moving
between regret and hope, the book invites readers to reflect on the choices they make, as
well as the paths not taken. This session will be introduced by Howard Coutts, Curator of
Fine Art and Design, who will explore links to the museum’s collection of historic books in
its library, with a focus on the illustrations by poet and artist, William Blake (1757–1827).
To get the most out of each session and fully engage in discussions about key themes,
readers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the chosen book beforehand.
These curated, expert-led sessions offer an exceptional experience beyond the traditional
book group. To book your place, please visit: https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/whats
on/bowes-book-club/
