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Laura Baxter is making A Garden of Lantern Birds at The Bowes Museum

30 October 2010 – January 2011

Laura Baxter will create a group of illuminated birds, inspired by details found in the Museum’s paintings, textiles and ceramic collection.

The Bowes Museum is housed in a spectacular Grade 1 listed ‘chateau”, purpose built by John and Josephine Bowes to house their stunning collection of fine and decorative arts. Between 1861-75 they amassed some 15,000 objects: furniture, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and many other items, covering an extensive range of European styles and periods. Prior to her marriage, Josephine had a successful career as an actress on the Paris stage, and she was particularly keen to nurture young, creative talent.

The Bowes have commissioned Laura Baxter to create a group of “lantern birds”: illuminated, laser-cut metal birds inspired by the many birds, featuring patterns from The Blackborne Lace Collection. Of different sizes and styles, some grouped together, others sitting alone, the lantern birds will be installed in the parterre in front of the Museum. As darkness falls, the birds, outlined in light, will appear as lace-like filigree lanterns, casting shadows and magically transforming the gardens. This installation allows Laura, who has developed a reputation for her exquisite jewellery and wall-pieces to work on a large scale in the outdoors, building on the success of her recent large scale commission at the Charles Rennie MackIntosh designed house, 78 Derngate, Northampton (www.78derngate.org.uk)

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Take part: Laura Baxter will lead hands-on making workshops for young adults and their families. This programme is part of the Bowes current drive to actively engage younger audiences to enjoy the museum and its collections. There will be a chance to share the outcome of their making and Laura’s commission at this year’s Halloween Lantern Parade. Details of workshops and parade will be available later.

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