This project will see the complete refurbishment of the existing picture store on the third floor, within the central dome of the Museum. This will enable improved storage of the reserve fine art collection and works on paper, as well as large textiles in the form of tapestries and quilts. New roller racking and a state-of-the-art storage system for textiles will be introduced; this new store will also allow increased access by introducing a programme of ‘behind the scenes tours’ involving staff working with the collections.

The collections at The Bowes Museum are world-class but at present storage facilities are simply inadequate both in terms of collections care and public access. Many stores are located in attics directly below the roof, meaning that access is difficult and current conditions inappropriate. Storage facilities for the major disciplines in the collection are spread thinly across the entire third and fourth floors. Public access to stores is very difficult. Major improvements to storage will also enable a greater rotation of objects from the collections on display.

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