An exhibition celebrating the 200th birthday of Josephine Bowes, a visionary artist, collector, and patron of the arts, will open in February at the Bowes Museum in County Durham.
Josephine, born in 1825 as Josephine Benoite Coffin-Chevalie, defied social conventions to become a trailblazer in the arts world.
The exhibition, titled Trailblazers and Trendsetters, explores the lasting influence of her pioneering spirit.
Josephine, originally a Parisian actress and dancer, became the wife of John Bowes, the illegitimate son of the 10th Earl of Strathmore.
Together, they established the Bowes Museum near Barnard Castle, where she was instrumental in curating a remarkable collection.
Known for her keen eye for emerging artists, she amassed over 15,000 objects, ranging from fine art to ceramics, glassware, textiles, and mechanical objects.
Her collection included early Impressionist works, surpassing even the National Gallery in London at the time.
The exhibition highlights the continuation of Josephine’s legacy, pairing pieces from the museum’s existing collection with loans from other institutions and new works by Northern England artists.
Vicky Sturrs, Director of Programmes and Collections at the Bowes Museum, emphasized how the exhibition reflects on Josephine’s vision and her role in shaping artistic trends, both historically and in contemporary contexts.
Trailblazers and Trendsetters will showcase how Josephine Bowes’ influence continues to impact the art world, ensuring her place as a key figure in the cultural history of the North of England and beyond.
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