Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion

Discover the remarkable textile collection of Joséphine Bowes, co-founder of The Bowes Museum. From intricate historical embroideries to 20th and 21st-century haute couture by designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Elsa Schiaparelli, the display highlights the breadth of Joséphine’s tastes and influences.

Marvel at rare surviving pieces from her own wardrobe alongside archival material and textiles she and her husband, John Bowes, collected throughout their lives. Bringing together fashion, craftsmanship and history, the show offers a fascinating glimpse into the collecting passions of a woman ahead of her time.