Registered number: 03879872
Charity number: 1079639
THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
THE BOWES
MUSEUM

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
CONTENTS
Page
Reference and Admlnistrntive Details of the Charlty, Its Trustees and Advisers
Statement from the Chalr and Director
Trustees. Report
Independent Auditors. Report on the Flnanclal Statements
Consolidated Statement of Flnanclal Actlvlties
5-26
27-30
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Charlty Balance Sheet
Consolldated Statement of Cash Flows
35-36
37
Notes to the Financial Statements
38-65

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Trustees
Mr Peter Mothersill, Chair
Dr Keith Bartlett (resoned 10 July 2023)
Mr Mark Blackett-ord {resoned 15 March 2024)
Ms Rebecca BlaCk￿￿0d
Ms Robyn Brown (reS￿ned 15 March 2024)
Ms Jennie Collingwocrtl
Ms Deborah cOrt￿tt
Professor Stefano Cracolici (reS￿ned 15 March 2024)
Mr Christopher Davy (deceased 12 July 2024)
Dr Stephen Howell
Mr Chnstopher Oughtred (resKJned 15 March 2024)
Dr Kenneth Partington
Mr Jonathan Beauchamp Peaccrk (resKJned 10 July 2023)
Mrs Caroline Peacock (resigned 10 Juty 20231
Mr Mich￿1 Robinson
Councillor Elizabeth Elton Scott
Mr Eliot Smith
Mr George Stastny (reS￿ned 13 November 2023)
Ms Alison Thain OBE
Company registered
number
03879872
Charity registered
number
1079639
Registered office
The Bcthtes Museum
Newgate
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8NP
Principal operating
office
The B(rI￿S Museum
Newgate
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8NP
Company secretary
Mr Simon Lee
Independent auditors
Clive Cmten LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
140 Conisclrffe Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 7RT
Page 1

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS
(CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Bankers
Na￿est PIC
29 Newgate Street
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 7ET
Solicitors
Womble Bond Dickinson LLP
Helix
The Spark
Draymans Way
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE4 5DE
Investment Managers
CCLA Investment Management Limited
One Angel Lane
London
EC4R 3AB
Page 2

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIR AND DIRECTOR
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The chairnan presents his statement for the year.
2023-24 at a glance..
77,746 visitors..
90 regular volunteers (an increase of 83.670A from 2022-23) contributing 2,808 volunteer
hours.,
12,072 children and young people engaged In learning programmes. contributing to 1.113
hours of creative and conservational activity,"
2,150 people worked with Artists, Designers and Makers;
1.508 participants engaged in Spotlight Tours about the museum, exhibitions and
collection",
Five exhibitions featuring Artists including intemational and nationally recognised names
like Larry Achiampong, Ryan Gander, Rebecca Moss, Yinka Shonibare, David Shfigley
and Hanna Tuulikki and regionally significant artists including Henna Asikainen, Bethan
Maddocks and Sally Madge.,
In partnership wth the Northern School ofArt, 33 emerging artists exhibited as part of
2023's Modern Makers.,
Three commissions, including artists Louise Bradley, Victoria Franka and Helen Palling,
Four gallery spaces were refitted, and three accessible stores created.,
4°k increase in objects on display;
Ar￿rkS loaned to Hyogo Museum, Japan., Basel's Kunstmuseum, Gennany,. Leuven
MLtseum in Belgium.. The Wallace Collection and The Royal Collection in London,. and,
more locally, The Auckland Project, Durham {amongsl others).,
£666,586 funding secured for strategic projects and programmes.
The Museum has made significant progress this year, both from a practical perspective and strategically We've
resolved several longstanding issues and furthered the development of our'Bowes 2092, plan to understand how
and what needs to be done to ensure the MLtseum's sustainability long into the future. The successes of the
year, whether in developing our offering to make the Museum more attractive and accessible to visrtors of all
ages, concenlrating our focus on the local and regional community, or general fund-raising, have all been
achieved despite working in an environment which continues to be adversely affected by the impact of the Covid
pandemic, subsequent inflationary pressure, reduced funding, and severe national and global economic and
polrtical instability.
No￿rthstandIng these difficulties beyond our control, the Museum is now in a much-improved position regarding
slrategic direction, organisational capabilities, and visitor experience - building off the solid platform created last
year. This speaks volumes about the expertise. commitment and passion of our Senior Leadership Team and all
our workfor￿. This steady improvement results from many different initiatives, notably the completion of our
staff reorganisation to deliver our new strategic model, togelher with a new governance structure wilhin the
Truslee body, significant success in fundraising for the development of new galleries, the conservation of the
Silver Swan. long overdue repairs and improvements to the building and parkland and the development of our
volunteering programme.
Our volunteer programme is growing, resulting in a significant increase in volunleers of all ages and
backgrounds. This increase has greatly strengthened our connection to the local community, whether rt be
through learning programmes, guided tours of the Museum and parkland, or playing a part in the curation and
care of the collection. This connection has also been greatly enhanced by the Museum's retail and cafe offers.
which have developed a fully justified reputation for the quali(y of their offering and service, including winning a
national award in the Museum and Heritage Cafe of the Year category.
Page 3

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIR AND DIRECTOR (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
While our primary focus unashamedly rests on our local regDn, we have also achEved a marked increase in our
presence nationwide with audien￿$ and Ihe wider sector. This has resutted from increased largeted marketing
and many new partnerships and inrtiatives, ensuring that The Bowes Museum is finnly reestablishing rtself as a
purpostrled organisation that is making a difference. This, in tum. gives us confidence that in the future, we can
further our role as a leajer, exemplrfied by the BoHes 2092 plan, wh￿h proposes an investment strategy to
address the Museum's long-temi sustainabilty. which coukl apply to many museums and galleries across the
ountry.
We are deepty grateful to our funders and stakeholders, Durham County Council and Arts Council England, for
their continued investment in the Museum. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Friends of the Bowes
Museum for their unwavering support, be tt financial. supporting our programmes, or promoting the museum.
We face the future with enthusiasm and confidence and look foThvard to continuing to provide many wonderful
experiences for the people we serve, includi￿￿ artists. deS￿ne[S. makers, kcal communilies, and wsrtors from
near and far.
Peter Mothersill
Chair of Trustees
Date. Is
Page 4

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with Ihe audited financial statements of the The Bowes
Museum for the 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees,
report and a directors, report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial
statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the
charitable company's governing d¢xument and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice
(SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wrth the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republ￿ of Ireland IFRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
Objectlves and aims
The Bowes Museum's charitable objectives are the provision of:
(a} a public Museum
(b) a public park
In these objectives:
'Public Museum, has the same meaning as it has in the Public Parks, Schools. and Museums Act 1871
construed in the context of the Will and Codicil of Josephine Bowes-, and 'Public Park. has the same meaning as
it has in the Public Parks. Schools. and Museums Act 1871 construed in the context of the Will and Codicil of
Josephine Bowes.
The Museum's objectives and aims have been achieved through an attractive programme of pemianent and
temporary displays and exhibitions, educational events, family activities and outreach work, as detailed in the
report from the Museum's Director and Chaiman.
Public benefit
The charws aims and achievements are set out wrthin this report. The activities set out in this report have been
undertaken to further the charitys charrtable purposes for the public benefit. The Trustees have complied wrth
the duty under Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the
Charity Commission and the Trustees have paid due regard to this guidance in deciding what activities the
charity should undertake.
Volunteers
In 2023 the museum created a ne4V roFe wtthin our structure, Co Production Volunteer Manager. This role is
commitment to our ambition to develop and diversify volunteering opportunities across the museum going
forward Volunteers contribute hugely. supporting our teams and engaging wtth our visitors. The museLsm has
approximately ninety volunteers, over 50 % more Ihan the previous year. and conveys rts gratitude for their
continued support.
Page 5

THE BOWES MUSEUM
{A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report
Achievements and perfomiance
1. 2023-24 Perforniance
Visitor Numbers
Average daily visitors
.'Total Museum income
ITickeVmembershipsl
otal Entegrises income
(Events)
(Café)
{Shop)
Totsl Expenditure
{Museum staff costs)
(Enterprises staff costs)
{Activity costs)
(Premises costs)
{Insurance costs)
{Marketing costs}
77.746
215
95.30/0
95.30/.
77,127
213
3.367,069
434,091
945,146
120,184
547.436
277,526
3,305.035
1.271,194
412,186
95,075
584,423
94,507
37,000
118.0%
932%
107.3%
1,426.834
349,188
788,059.
126.295
435,153
226,611
2.498.950,,
1,004,776
385,118
111,174
344,984
83,019
62,884
113.2°
118.00
90.0%
985%
120.10
84.20
213.60
96.60
52.8.
Page 6

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limfted by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Achlevements and perforniance (continued)
2. Review of activities
2.1. Transformation Project
2.1.1. Wision & Mission
We began the nthv financial year in 2023 with a new Senior Leajership Team, a redefined organisational
purpose, vision, mission, aims and objectives (see Appendices 1 & 2). and a new Arts Council England NPO 3-
year prc#Jramme. Therefore, we have refreshed our reportirg approach to monitor and measure the
organisational perfoffnance against KPIS across all business areas. including our Action Plan and ACE
Investment Principles, to ensure we monrtor and CoMmun￿le our data and evidence efficiently and accurately
to our stakeholders and partners.
The quartety report we prc¥Juce for Durham County Council ncvi includes the folt(ywing:
Quarterty Strategic Activity Overwew.
Performance Dashboards that are used intemally by the senior leadership team (SLT) to
monitor perfomiance and trends against crrtical KPIS.
Action Plan progress against our aims and objectives.
Strategic Project updates.
Partnership and Presence updates.
Updates by operational areas - Commercial and Operations, Programmes and Collections,
Development and Communications.
Risk Register. (App 3)
2.1.2. Staffing Structure & Improved Leadership
Simon Lee (Director of Commercial and Operations). Kelty Smith (Director of Development and
Communications} and Vicky Slurrs (Direclor of Prcgrammes and Collections) took up their posts as Senior
Leadership Team (SLT) in January 2023. Kelly Smrth left her SLT role at the end of February 2024 to take up
new role at Newcastle Theatre Royal. Jane Whitehead subsequentty joined us as Acting Director for
Marketinglcommunications. Tber 3 completed rts restructure and included a new Development Manager and C
Production Volunteer Manager.
The Tier 4 restructuring was launched the week beginning 20 November 2023. It fcKused on establishing the
right roles and capacrties wrthin our workforce to accomplish our ambtbons, enabling a more relevant 21 st-
century museum that is forward-thinking and financialty sustainable. refccusing skills and talent. and addressing
historic contract anomalies resutting fr(xn inconsistent employment practi￿$.
Guided by princip￿$ of ensuring the prO￿$S was open. equitable and kind. we undertook several group and
individual meetings wtth those impacted by the proposed changes. During our sessions, we discussed the
rationale for the proposal and potential consultation timelines. We also shared proposed job Pfofiles, salary,
YKJrking hours and annual leave information where relevant for those at risk and those with changes to terms
and conditions Throughout the process, staff were given opportunrties to make proposals. make suggestions.
and ask questions. Voluntary redundancy options were offered for all staff to consider.
By the end of January 2024, we completed the voluntary redundancy prO￿sS and redeployed to new and vacant
roles, eliminating the risk of compulsory redundancies. The week commencing 11 March 2024 saw the
implementation of Tier 4 changes. including the commencement of redeployed roles and the introduction of new
temis and conditions A 4-6-week transrtion period with fv40 'Firebreak' training and reset sessions is planned for
all staff towards the end of April 2024.
Additionalty, as part of the Tier 4 restructure. addressing long-standing pay differentials and several pension
contribution commitments was essential to ensure equity across all staff. These were implemented at the end of
the financial year, effective April 2024.
Page 7

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report Icontinued)
Achievements and perfomiance Icontinued)
2.1.3. Strategic Business Plan and Bowes 2092
A new 2023-28 Strategic Business Plan was completed and approved by the Board of Trustees. The Executive
Director, working with the Senior Leadership team, concluded that significant work remains to create a stable
future for The Bowes Museum. Core funding from Arts Council England and Durham County Council has
remained static for years and represenls real-term cuis once inflation is consKlered. The realty of caring for the
buildings and parkland. including ensuring regulatory compliance, means significant investment is required,
evidenced by the costs to repair boilers, conduct essential tree works, and remove asbestos in this year alone.
Increased costs include wages as the minimum wage increased and energy and insurance. which have almost
doubled. Our peers across the sector echo this posrtion, and ￿￿thOut radical action. this constitutes a continuing
decline in financial resilience and risks the future of The Buwes Museum.
To this end, a Task and Finish Group c(Knprised of trustee representatives and the senior leadership team
undertook mapping work to explore and map our understanding of the challenges and opportunities, including
the current and wtential impact of national and global trends. This work infomied the 'The Bowes 2092 Plan,,
reflecting the need for longer-term planning to ensure the Bowes Museum's future is secured (2092 is The
Bowes Museum's 200th anniversary). This plan fomis the basis for the ne￿ phase of transfom)ation. It outlines
the challenges, which are summarised in these conclusions..
As 8 priority a￿8 for Arts Council England and potentialty the new NLHF Investment strategy, we are in 8 piime
position to secure significant capital investment. fo ensu￿ this investment, we must develop a compelling
concept that fulty ￿al￿eS the site, building, and CL4lectK)ns' potential as an afftbitious heritage asset that
supports our organisatK)n's and region s ambrtK)ns andpays the site fO￿ard sustainably.
The last 20 Yea￿ have seen a rapid decline in funding for arts and culture, and this d￿S not l¢X)k set to change.
We must take our future into our own hands and rethink the mcxlel.
As an asset-rich but CaSh-￿r chantable trust. we need to Ic￿¢ dIffe￿ntlY at unkrking our assets to maximise
our financial potential and create a sustainable Organisat￿n that pays its workforce fairty.
The climate eMe￿encY is affecting us and our communities now. There is no ts.me to waste in addressing our
sustainability and supporting our coMmun￿eS to do so too.
The cost of living has InC￿aSed pressure on the poorest people in our communities By making the museum free
to enter and by creating environments and programmes that support people, we can make a d￿e￿nce to
people's lrfe experiences. By paying our staff above the median average we can support them and their families.
We must invest in digrtal technolcuies and skills to keep up with a changing worfd.
Page 8

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Achievements and performance (continuedl
As a result, Ihe Bowes 2092 Plan outlines 5 key aims..
1. Develop a new financial mod81 that enables the organisation lo be suslainable and navigate
uncertain e¢onomi¢ times. Through this, we will reduce our heavy reliance on external income
and ensure that additional funding and the work of our teams can be fully invested in delivering
our vision.
2. Create a fully roalised capital programme Ihat ensures the buildings, parkland, and
¢olle¢tions are well-mainlained and accessible and supports the organisalion's purpose and
aims.
3. Embed sustainable technologies and practices into caprtal assets and organisational
procedures to enable The Bowes Museum to start a joumey to a NET Zero ambition and
support our communities to make individual and collective changes relevant to their
circumStan￿s.
4. Invest in our workforce through fair pay, comprehensive training opportunities and access
to technologies that improve sector-specific and transferable skills and digital
confidencelcompetence. By investing in people through compensation. development, and
training, we will contribute to a happier workforce, invest in our region, and improve conditions
for
families
of
our
staff
for
generations
to
come.
5. Invest in digital infrastructure and skills to ensure we are utilising these to maximise the
organisation's operations. cxeate exciting and relevant eXperien￿S, engage wth our
communities, reduce our environmental footprint, and remain relevant in a changing world.
The Bowes 2092 Plan was approved by the Board of TrUSt￿S and presented to the AGM in December. and
work will begin in 2024. Resources to start this work have begun to be secured wilh funding from National
Highways to support Aim 2, 'Create a fully realised capital programme,, which will enable a Feasibility Study and
Options Appraisal for the site and buildings. We aim to apply to Heritage Fund for funding support that will build
the capacity needed to build on this work and begin the Bowes 2092 Plan in earnest.
2.1.4. Pricing and Memberships
Following the launch of our new membership scheme in June 2022, offering a more slraighffotward pricing
structure in which local memberships provide the best value for money, we have reached a membership
database of 13,000. On the first anniversary of the launch, we started tracking the retention of memberships (the
percentage of members who accept the auto-renewal of their membership for a further yearl This has
maintained al around 70 %, and we keep in touch with members via newsletters and in-person events. In March,
Y￿ invited members to join us for the preview of Mumiuration, and we were overwhelmed by the posrtive uptake
of tickets for this event.
2.2. Progrdmmes and Activities
Throughout the year, we have delivered programmes supporting our communities, collaborated wrth our
volunteers, engaged children and young people, explored our collections, crealed new displays and exhibitions,
w￿rked with artists, designers, and makers, and developed exciting new projects and partnerships.
Page 9

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Achievements and perfomiance {continued)
2.2.1. Communities
Significant work has taken place to redesign our approach to communty work based on the transfom)ation
project's aim of becoming a more community-centred organisation.
Co-production, while a key tenet of the Senior Leadership Team's experience. was very new for the Bowes
Museum team. To ensure that TBM'S co-production is authentic to the organisation and our communities, we
used the Curiosty Project as the basis for development and leaming.
Communty indNFduals and groups VE￿ targeted through invitations as stakeholders and non-visrtors and drop-
in, open-access workshops. 15 staff colleagues CO•led these sessions. developing and facilitating activities to
shape discussion and collaborative Kleas generation. Together. responses were gathered from 111 people
through C￿prOdUCtion y￿rkshops. Participants included families wrth children under 12, young people. older
adults, regular and non-visrtors, and those who J(Jned through communitEs of interest or geography.
Response data was collected using a 'feel, do. think, methTrJology to respond to the fLrture development of
gallery and store spaces at The Bowes Museum, focusing on col*b'on objects and themes as well as activities
and experiences.
Findings OVe￿￿W
People told us they most vtsnt 'interactive' experiences that offer the opportunty to feel 'calm', 'relaxed', 'happ
and 'well'. When thinking about how they want to feel in our spaces, responses were categorised into five
groupings..
Action-based.
Experiential
Reflective
Learning-led
Being well
People most want to be involved in moments and experiences that link to the collection, 'bring it to lrfe.. 'tell
stories. and offer the opportunity to 'imagine'. They want to participate in experiences that encouraJe 'being an
artist, and are keen to discuss and question.
Participants often referenced the Importan￿ of 'releVan￿.. Topical concems like the climate crisis, povety,
wealth, social class and mental heatth V￿re discussed. Across the groups, constrtuents all believe that The
Bowes Museum has a role in responding to societal ideas as both an antidote and a call to action.
Through this work. significant progress has been made on interpreting and applying our C¢>production session
findings. We have used part of this information to develop Collection Themes and a new Interpretation
Framework that outlines the cross<Lrtting strands. themes, and stores that we'll open within our new Curiosity
Galleries. including four new galleries: Curiosty Gallery, Create GaI￿ry, Conversation Gallery, and The Hive.
The Curiosty Gallery displays a cross-section of the museum's collectw)n. curated around themes of home and
landscape. It includes a soundscape by Durham-based artist Dawd de la Haye, made of sounds from Teesdale.
These themes link the gallery to the outside landscape, which can now be enjoyed throughout the new galleries
thanks to specialist UV filters aPpl￿d to the reopened wind¢y¥VS to avoid damage to the artefacts The displays
V￿11 change regularty to keep the space relevant and fresh and introduce artists, designers, and makers, as well
as ideas about neighbourliness and hospitalty and the T￿sdale landscape, all through items from the collection.
The Create Gallery is a space wsrtors can investigate the making proCeS￿S of collection objects,. experimenting
with malerials through prompts and ideas set by the Museum's Artist team. An immersive and active space, this
is where much of our leaming programme will be focused, wrth ¥CeSsib￿ facilrtTres and collection inspiration.
Page 10

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Achievements and perfomiance (continued}
The Conversation Gallery is where people can sit and relax. chat and debate, exploring athorks that link to
broader ideas and challenges facing the world. Through exploration of cur￿nt topics, the Museum can explore
local solutions to global problems with visitors and school groups propped on cdourful beanbags inspired by our
collections, designed by Louise Bradley and made by Kate Pounder.
On the first floor of the Museum, The Hive reminds visitors that everyone can collect and that everyone curates.
Visitors can see objects, artefacts, documents, and collections curated by slaff, volunteers. and communty
members, inspired by the Museum's founders. thoughlful collecting in the nineleenth century.
Addilionally, thr￿ newly accessible collection vaults house furniture, textiles, and ceramic objects. From April
2024, visitors can see these during specialist guided tours. The objects are displayed in new ways lo be more
easily viewed and cared for.
Applying these co-produced stories and sub-themes has resutted in the selection of 228 objects spanning the
vast array of the Museum's collection genres. 88 % of the objects selected are from stores, and 80% have not
been seen for at least ten years. Of the 12 % of objects currently on show elsewhere in the gallery, neady all are
explicitly referenced by constituents as pieces they find personal and collective resonance wrth.
'Great to be part of this and to influence what's happening next at the Museum. I'm excited that the objects my
children selected are on showl". Curiosty Project Cfrproducer
"I've lived in Upper Teesdalg my whde lrfe. When we tLX)k part in the wort(shop, we talked about the landscape
thal we see everyday. Now those scenes, Ihey're on the wall. That's really quite speci811"
2.2.2. Volunteers
As part of the co-production work, a new C(>produ¢tion Volunteer Manager started in the summer, wrth a remit
to expand and develop our volunteer communty and experience. This has had a signrficant impact, growing our
volunteer community by over 50°/0 lo around 90 volunteers who regularly engage and support our activrties in the
Museum. Over the last 12 months, they have donated 2.808 hours of voluntary help, 200/0 more than the
previous year. This was developed through the following activities..
Page11

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Achievements and perfonnance (continued)
Baseline Survey-we conducted a baseline survey that ￿Ent out to all volunteers to do a
temperature check. The results of the survey V￿re shared through three workshops with
Volunteers. As a result of the findings from the survey, our new Co-production Volunteer
Manager has set up a quarterty Lead Volunteer meeting and a pre-season briefing for all
volunteers and is introducing more talks. walkthroughs, and training OPFrf)rtunities for all
Volunteers.
sV￿n Explainers- Recruited ten volunteers to be our Swan Explainers from SepDec 2023.
Six were brand new to the Museum. They supported visitors by engaging them in
conversab'ons, capturing their stories about the Swan, providing updates about the
Conservation of the Silver Swan, and helping us reach our fundraising campaign target.
Celebration Event- Christmas Volunteers get together. Hosted a celebration in December
for all Volunteers to attend. Special thanks Y￿re given to the volunteers. including a long
service to a volunteer Guide vtho had been with the Museum for 33 years.
HIVE Co-production Volunteers - we engaged these six new Swan volunteers after the
Swan project ended by inviting them to become Co-producers of the HIVE space as part
of the wider Curiosity Project. These volunteers have been meeting weekty since January,
learning about the collections, selecting objects for the HIVE, and leaming how to Write
labels, prepare objects and Ccpcurate a space. They have had behind-the-scenes a¢￿sS
to the stores and have been supported by the wder teams. induding Collections,
Exhibrtions, and our Archivist, Judith Phillips.
AIM-Partnership Project with Teesdale schoo￿1n January. we launched a partnership
project v￿h Teesdale School. which is a pilot for us in cweating a new Young Volunteers
Programme. On 14th and 15th February, we deltvered two taster days for24 students aged
12 - 17. The young people had a vnnderful time, and the next stsge of the process looks
at onboarding these young people to become Volunteers at the Museum ￿￿th an individual
bespoke volunteer programme for each young person centred on their interests.
Curiosty Activator Volunteer Role-This is a live opwrtunity. Their role will be to welcome
visitors into the new spaces. engage them in conversats'on, spark their curiosty, and
acb'vate the spaces.
Behind the scenes: We have purchased Better Impact software, a datsbase management
system to transition volunteers onto. This will help us report more accurately on volunteer
hours and opportunities and manage volunteers_
In development - We are developing a volunteer handbook and a suite of volunteer
licies.
"Being invofved in the Hive Project at The Bowes Museum was such a fantast￿ opKx)rtunity. I was able to leam
new skills and woth alongside Museum professionals to c￿prc%IUGe an exhibition. I was able to select a theme I
was ￿allY Inte￿sted in and then encouraged and guided by museum colleagues to select artefacts and build
narrative to share with the public. We wrote labels, prepa￿ and cleaned iteffls for display and helped install the
eXhibit￿n - seeing the final display and the aCcumulat￿n of all our woth was ￿allY special and something l am
very proud of. The project was fasl paced and inV¢￿ved a lot of work but was so rewarding and such a valuable
experience."
Amy, cr￿prodUCts0n Volunteer
"I've gained a t￿mendOuS amount from the initial meeting Whe￿ we leamed al)(xJt the Project to the k￿Ing out of
the space with the objects or archwal material.
Working closely as a team with my fellow volunteers has tjeen pethaps the most pleasing and of c(xJr8e the
knowledge gained from the expertise from the Museum staff has been exciting.
I have never c￿ProdUced anything befo￿ and the skills KYentrfEd and knowledge gained have been
invaluable...l am thoroughly enjoying my role as a Curiosty Activator Volunteer within the HIVE. Finally, I would
like lo personally thank Jess for the industry and commitment that she has demonslrated thn)ughout to all the
volunteers. She has been inspirntional and supportive throughout."
Peter, tsproJuction Volunteer
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THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (contlnued)
Achievements and performance (continuedl
2.2.3. Learning; Education. Families and Young People
As part of our Transformation Project, we identified an urgent need for improved learning and engagement
spaces, facilities, and accessible storage We were delighted in 2023 to secure £250K from DCMSMolfson and
£40K from the Friends of the Bowes Museum towards the 'Curiosity Project,, which has redeveloped four gallery
spaces (bringing two currently inaccessible spaces back into use) and three collections stores. These spaces
offer new opportunities for leaming at The Bowes Museum and opened on 2 April 2024.
12,072 people in 2023-24 engaged with the learning programme, both on and offsite. Across the year, this
represents an uplift of 790/0 against a baseline of 6.733 from 23124. This is due to a regular programme of
accessible conversation and creatiwty-led activities, free past the point of entry and initiated this year.
This year, our family programme engaged 5,079 people through drop-in activities, Artist workshops and tours.
620 people engaged in Family Days in June and Oclober 2023, working y￿h Artists, exploring behind the
scenes, participating in performances and playing in the parkland.
62 people worked with Foundation Press, led by artists Adam Phillips and Deborah Bower, to develop the Pocket
Parkland Playbook, a handy memorandum of suggestions for imaginative outdoor adventures. alternative ways
to be outdoors, tricks to give yourself licence to relax and have fun, and tools for seeing things differently. The
Playbook has been available since Summer 2023 and is free to take home and pass along.
Following restructuring, members of the Education Team took voluntary redundancy. Our Education Manager
has also left the organisation. We have recrurted a new Leaming Manager who started on 2 April 2024 and
created ￿ new Learning Producer roles focusing on families, education communities. young people, and adult
audiences.
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THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Achievements and perfomwnce (continued)
2.3. Exhibitions and Display
Throughout the year. we produced a variety of exhibitions and drsplays exptoring a wide range of themes and
provocations, which included..
Our Conversation Wall continued to change monthly. Differing themes have focused on
World Children's Day, snow-filled winter stories, Intemational Workerfs Day. Wodd Book
Day. and World Environment Day. This space continued to be a popular point of discussion
with our audiences. connecting to wder societal thematics and shovKasing lesser-knovm
works from the collection. As the first thing our visrtors see vthen they enter the Museum,
we have showcased over 40 works from storage over the year
In our drive to display more rarely seen objects from our stores. have redisplayed over
50 ceramic items from our twentieth-century collections and repurposed previously-stored
fumrture as display cases for glassvrare.
The mag￿ of the Sifver Swan opened on 7 July 2023 and ended in earty January. It was
well re￿ived. featuring significant loans from national institutions, including the Bntish
Museum. Science Museum and the Bodleian Library. V￿th features in The Guardian. The
Times. The Spectator. Art Quarterly. and regional TV.
Mumiurntion opened in February 2024. A group exhibition, this show presents a wide
selection of artists and makers from various generations, backgrounds and Contexts whose
work ranges across drawing. sculpture, film and installation. It explores birds in art and
traces their signrfi¢ance across time and cultures, softly prompb'ng provocab.ve discussion
and environmental action through the work of Artists and Makers. Additionally, the show
presents the complexity and nuance of displaying historic taxidermy and egg collections,
from its role as a teaching resource to its ties to scientific racism and colonial exploitation.
Wrth over 80 works in the show, 66.kn are from our Durham-based collection. Exhibiting
artists include Larry Achiampong and David Blandy, Henna Asikainen, Bentley Beetham,
Josephine Bowes, Michel-Pierre Hubert Descours. John Doyle. Ryan Gander. Sally
Madge, Bethan Maddocks. Edouard-Aime Pils, David Shrigley. C.F. Tunnicliffe and Hanna
Tuulikki amongst others. Loans have been received from The British Council, Copperfield
Gallery London. The Stephen Friedman Gallery and Tyne and Wear Archives and
Museums The show has been featured in The Times and recommended by The Guardian,
and it has gamered other regional coverage.
Throughout the year, a snapshot display of the late Vivienne Westwood's career through
the eyes of collector Peter Smithson has been exlended. Peter has collected Weshvood
clothing and accessories for more than 25 years, focusing on Mini-crini (19861 to Storm in
a Teacup (199617). Westwnod was inspired by art, fashion, culture. and social history. This
capsule display features items from the Museum's collecb'on that echo and contextualise
the historical references in Wesfvrfood's vmrk. all0v￿ng visitors to examine materials and
techniques
Flagpole commissions see a dtfferent artist delivering three pieces of woth over six months.
Currently. Louise Bradley's banners are displayed using plant and fl¢)wer motrts found in
collecb.on objects or the parkland. Covering a more comprehensive environmental agenda.
Inspired by Mary Eleanor BOv￿S, botanical connections and small Co1￿ctIOnS of textiles
and embroidery, the banner flags are bright and welcoming. Gateshead-based Artist
Michael James Mcconnack is the next artsst to exhibit.
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THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Llmited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report Icontinued)
Achievements and perfomiance (continued
The V•inter period saw the Museum successfiJlly accepted into a UK-wide programme
established by the Art Fund and Creative Scouand. As part of the Going Places initiative. it
will be a key player within a ne￿Ork of small to mid-sized museums producing two touring
exhibitions over five years (202&2030). The organisation has allied wrth The Russell-cotes
Art Gallery and Museum, Boumemouth and The Watts Gallery, Guildford. Focusing on their
founding couples. (Josephine and John B¢)wes, Merton and Annie Russell-cotes and
George and Mary Watts) passion for art, culture and collecting the nefv￿rk aims to explore
how we make these three collections founded by creative and philanthropic couples, and
rooted in their period. relevant to our communities today. In the spirit ofthese three dynamic
couples, the ne￿rk aims to explore the dynamics of collaboration, connection. and
fn"endship with our local communrties to reinterpret our collections. surface unheard stories
and new narrab'ves. and make the global 'local'.
2.4. Collections and Conservation:
2.4.1. Collections
The Bowes Museum is currentty renewing its accredrted status per cyclical requirements and, as such,
refreshing policies, procedures, collection rationales. storage, and disposal pro￿sses. Part of this process is
being a key part of the Regional Collections Network with sector colwues. incI￿1ng Beamish, Tyne and Wear
Archives, and Northumberland Museums.
A new fv4r>year Curator role (C￿r(￿luCtIonj has been created due to funding from the John Ellemian Trust. It
wll help to deepen our ctrproduction practice wtih communtlies through projects and activities.
The creation of four galleries and three collections stores has radTrcalty improved several areas in the building. It
has enabled us to display more ol'ects (90°A of whth have rarely or never been displayed) and care for
collections in better and more ac￿SIble conditions.
Over the year, the Museum has loaned 25 objeds (seventeen paintings, ikn) deswJner outfrts and six rtems of
hisloric lace and embroidery) to exhibit￿n$ in London, Bamsley, The Auckland Proie¢t, Japan via the National
GaI￿rieS of ScotlarKI. Hamburg, Basel. Leuven. and Cologne.
2.4.2. Conservation
The Swan restoration project was completed, and the Swan started performing in the new year. The crowd
funcler campaign with Art Fund Happens Sufpassed rts target of £18k by 6 December and reached £20.375, and
following successful funding from NHLF. the Cumbria Clc£k C￿npanY (CCC) was engaged to undertake
specialist conservation and repair work on TBM'S Silver Swan. Happening on-site where possible and in the
VK)rkshops of CCC where not, the work consisted of.
Removing the necklhead assembty for restorationlconservation. Twelve neck rings require
attention.
Drive units fully dismantled1seN￿ed.
Neck assemblyl music boxlglass dive rc¥Js serviced.
Design for the fish retaining pipel the necessary work required.
Capture full details of the opeiating track. cams, and an arbour that develop
movemenuoperation of the neck, head and beak, deepening understanding
Dismantlingl C￿anIng of operating mechanisms, minor repairs, re-assembly, lubricats'on.
A dedicated programme of Volunleer recruitment has culminated in 10 new colleagues acting as Swan
Explainers. Talking to visrtors daily, explaining the conservation project, and collecting audience memones of this
unique object, the team actively contributes to the Museum. The project has also afforded the involvement of
four interns from national horoltsJul colleges. who can leam and hone their skills.
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THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT ICONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Achlevements and perfomiance (contlnued
Public talks by CCC are supplemented by a new artist-in-resKlence. Victoria Franka Marcelino, who was
recruiled through an open advert to a Ihree-month residency at the Museum. Commissioned to explore the
conservation project, do their work, and deliver public engagement workshops, Victoria had access to a srnall
studio space at the Museum and staff support. A benchmarked artist fee. cc¥nmission production budget,
workshop fee. and travel bursary support ttrE artist's eth&21 employment.
2.5. Facilities
2.5.1. Journey to Accesslbllity (MEND-Funded)
The MEND {Museum Estate and Development Fund) project started after the successful approval of planning.
DCMSIArts Council England has supported this project wrth £974k. This will repair and improve road and car
park infrastructure. improve accessibility from the car parks to the museum. and install EV chargers to support
our environmental sustainability ambrtions. The delivery pro3ramme shows the project work will be completed by
mid-July 2024.
The Curiosty Project is transforming four gallery spaces and creating three new collection stores, culminating
with a family-friendly launch on 2nd April 2024. The new spaces were made possible Ihanks to grants from The
Foyle FoundatK)n. DCMS Wolfson and The Friends of The Buwes Museum. Creative Core, West Yorkshire,
appointed designers lo collaborate wrth the Museum team and communities to develop, design and delrver
(ultimately co-projuce) The Curiosty Project. This colkiboration explored understanding team dynamics. setting
the projecl's ambitions, identifying our communities and understanding the spectrum of co-prc#Juction, including
defining what that means at The Buwes Museum.
Essential work has been necessary due to compliance needs and maintenance issues. and it has been a costly
faclor in our budgets. This work has included..
Tree V•t)rks - annual conditon surveys to ensure our parkland trees are safe to enable
public access. Subslantive ￿MedIa1 works undertaken from any survey findings as required
and kept upto-date.
Boiler repairs -The museum boilers are old and need regular maintenance. The third-floor
boilers providing heating io slaff areas and collections stores broke and required
replacement, for which additj'onal funding VRS sought. The third-floor b￿lerS were svatched
from gas to electricity for installation practicalty and environmental gains.
Asbestos removal Our annual survey detected a deterioration in some asbestos in the
boiler house, necessitating isolation until the safe removal could be expedited. This work
has been completed.
Rador￿OUr Radon survey identified radon in Iwo spaces on the lower level. These areas
Y4ere dosed for access unts"I remedial v￿rkS were undertaken, vthich is now complete. .
2.6. Fundraislng and Donations
An increase in charitable messaging ￿rosS promotional material has seen donations from on-site wsrtors rise
from only £393 donated on-srte in April to £679 donated on-srte in November 2023. Increased donation boxes
and the development of the fundraising websrte pages support this. Grft aid conversion continues to improve
following the training earlier this year. The Silver Swan crcfyv(ffunding campaign was successful, generating
£20,375 from 178 individual supporters.
A four-year Development Strategy has been written to cover income generation strategies for 'business as usual,
fundraising starting in April 2024.
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THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report {continued)
Achievements and performance (continued
Our grant applications this year have covered four project and programme areas..
Developmenl of new galleries and displays through co-production.
The conservation of the Silver Swan.
Development of Volunteering.
Building and site repairs and improvements.
The grant funding successes this financial year are..
Development of new galleries and displays through co-production.
John Ellerman Foundation. £89,646 (inc. 24 months, salary, Co-Production Curator).
The Foyle Foundation, £65,000, The Curiosity Project.
The Friends of the Bowes Museum, £40,000, The Curiosty Project.
Art Fund £500, Going Pla¢es Partnership.
The consetvation of the Silver Swan.
National Lottery Heritage Fund, £146.342.
Leche Trust. £5,000.
Circles of Art, £1,500.
Aurelius Trust, £4,000.
Development of Volunteering.
AIM Connected Communities £54,053 Young Volunteers Project.
Esmee Fairbaim Collections Fund, £95,545.
Building and site repairs and improvements.
Garfeld Weston Foundation, £40.000 toward the Journey to Accessibility project.
Area Budget, £5.000, contribution towards boiler repairs.
Local Action Partnership, £20,000 contribution towards boiler repairs.
Highways England £100,000 (Feasibility Study).
Total grant income secured 23124 - £666,586.
The high conversation rate and high number of successes this quarter are due to very targeted bids being
submitted and a real appetite from funders to support transformation at TBM. However, increasingly more bids
are being submitted to test the water with potential new funders le.g. around the Silver Swan Fundraising
campaign), which will lower the conversion rate (actual).
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THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES, REPORT ICONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Achievements and performance (continued)
3. Strategic Objectives
3.1. Business Plan
While we are in a much-improved position as an organisation, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,
the cost-of-living crisis and the significant increase in costs use of inflation, energy, wages and costs of buildings
and sites thal have lacked essential investment in maintenance and repairs for a decade mean we still have
significant financial challenges to deal with. Therefore. we have revised our 3 -5 Year Business Plan with an
Emergent Business Strategy fomiat to reflect the unpredictable environment and increasing scarcity of resources
and funding.
This includes updating our VisionlMissionlAimslObjectivesNalues to set out and underpin the direction of travel
and proposing an investment strategy called 'The Bowes 2092 Plan, which aims to address the organisation's
long-temi sustainability. Both were approved by the board in December 2023 and discussed in our AGM the
same day.
The Business Plan's Strategic Aims and Objectives are as follows..
Take care of what's important (peoplei place, unique assets).
Objective l - We will support ourpeople.
Objective 2 - We will run our organisation ethically and well.
Objective 3- We will be responsible custodians- Environment, facilities, assets, resources.
Invest in the future.
Objective 1- We will affordably develop our spaces, informing and supporting our long-
temi plan.
Objective 2 - We will create a Bowes 2092 Roadmap.
Objective 3 - We will create a culture of &ntrepTrneu￿hip & fundraising that maximises
income and funding, and maintains ￿seNe$ largets through 2026.
Make a difference in our communities.
Objective l - We will embed a culture of inclusivity and co-production.
Objective 2 - We will connect pro8Gtively to the cutture seGtor landscape.
Objective 3 - We will keep in touch with our audiences and their needs. existing and new.
Objective 4 - We will support artists, designers, and makers of today and tomoffow.
Objective 5 - We will support and uplift our Children and Young People, and local
communities.
Create outstanding experiences.
Objective 1 We will celebrate and inspire creativity.
ObjeGtive 2 - We will make sure there is always something great to do.
Objective 3 - We will be accessible to everyone.
Support our Trgion's ambitions.
Objective I We will change the sectoffs lending landscape and bring outstanding art to
the region.
Objective 2 - We will develop strong regional and global partne￿hIpS based on mutually
benefKial relationships.
Objective 3 - We will Gommunicate ourpury)ose and impact.
Under the Aims and Objectives, sit Activity and Action PSans, with KPIS. The ACE NPO programme, including
Investment Principles, is mapped against these strategic objectives and has SLT and EMT leads. From this point
on, the formal of board and funder reports will map progress directly against these Aims and Objectives. In April
2023, a dashboard started tracking monthly and annual performance against KPIS, giving a clear oveNiew and
more accessible monitoring for SLT and Board.
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Achievements and perfomance (continued}
The Bowes 2092 plan (also see Section 3.2.1 Transformation Project) is led by our Story of Change. and is a
radical rethink of key areas of our organisation that seeks to pay forward the Bowes Museum towards 2092 {our
200th birthday) as sustainably as possible. It has five aims..
Aim 1 Develop a new financial model.
Aim 2- Create a fijlly realised Capital programme.
Aim 3- Embed sustainable technologies and practices.
Aim 4- Invest in our workforce.
Aim 5 ~ Invest in digital infrastructure and skills.
As part of this plan, we have secured support from National Highways for a Feasibility Study and Options
Appraisal that will explore the potenlial across the site and create a RIBA stage 1 proposal with costings. The
tendef process for the design team leading this work was undertaken and awarded in March 2024.
We are discussing a potential application to their Resilience Fund with the NLHF. The Bowes Museum received
funding from them pre-COVID, but we're hopeful that they will support us in developing and scoping the Bowes
2092 plan over the coming two years, to roll out the plan from 2026127 onwards.
Durham County Council's funding has been critically important. and we are grateful for the local authoritys
ongoing support. We will continue to seek funding from other sources for projects and programmes from Trusts
and Foundations, maximise our Grft Aid, and increase onstte donations and contributions from individuals.
4. Governance
Governance revieN the previous years saw Trustees become more engaged with operational issues
through necessty due to the absence of a senior team. With a new senior team in place, we engaged an
external consultancy to review our Governance and present recommendations for a refreshed struclure. This
was supported by funding from the Association of Independent Museums. Through consultalion and workshops
Y￿h trustees, the proposal reduced the ideal number of trustees from twenty to 12-14. Addrtionally. we have
reduced the number of committees from five to three
Finance, Resource and Risk. Governance, and
Enterprises. A task-and-finish group of truslees and senior team members has overseen the Governance
Review, which is nearing completion. A recruilment drive for 2-3 new Trustees will be undertaken in 2024 to
include specialisms in the Herrtagelmuseum sector and Accounlancy. The Governance Review Task and Finish
Group are developing a Scheme of Delegation for the Board to approve.
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THE BOWES MUSEUM
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report {continued)
Achievements and performance Icontinued
5. Partnerships
AIM Connecting Communities:
Successful funding from AIM Connected Communilies has enabled a new partnership between Teesdale
School, Barnard Caslle and The Bowes Museum. This year-long programme is developing a youth volunteering
scheme, co-developed with young people, designed to increase confidence, improve mental health through
community commitment and civic volunteering and provide work-ready professional experiences to raise
aspirations. The programme will also pay for training to upskill the Museum's visitor experience staff to welcome
young people equttably and confidently. Planning and relationship building for this project started in December
2023.
National Gallery:
The Museum's partnership with the National Gallery as a Collaborative Doctoral Partner has been re-affimied
following its successful inclusion in the national scheme. The partners welcome PhD candidates and research
exploring shared collection thematics. Following six successful studentships, one researcher is mid-way through
their research. Two further studies are being prepared, exploring co-production using the Museum as a case
study and an in-depth focus on the collection's Blackborne Lace.
UK CreatNe Community Fellows:
A partnership with Derby Museums and Us-based NAS. the UK Creative Community Fellows is a nationwide
programme supporting people using arts and culture to create positive change in their communities. The Bowes
Museum has joined this established programme, funded by Arts Council England, due to the Executive Director's
role in co-leading rt with US partners since its inception. The Bowes Museum is 4vell placed to support as the NE
has been identrfied as a cold spot for engagement in such programmes.
Russell£otes Art Gallery and Museum (Bournemouth) and The Watts Gallery (Guildford):
As part of a UK-wide programme established by the Art Fund and Creative Scotland called Going Places, we will
be a key player within a network of small to mid-svzed museums producing touring exhibitions over five years
{2025-20301. Focusing on our founding couples, (Josephine and John Bowes, Merton and Annie Russell-cotes
and George and Mary Watts) passion for art. culture and collecling ihe network aims to explore how we make
these three collections founded by creative and philanthropic couples. and rooted in their period, relevant to our
communities today. In the spirit of these three dynamic couples, the ne￿Ork aims to explore the dynamics of
collaboration, connection, and friendship wrth our local communrties to reinterpret our collections, surface
unheard stories and new narralives, and make the global 'local'.
Durham County's ACE Place Partnership:
We were delighted to hear of the success of Durham County Council's application to Arts Council England's
Place Partnership Fund. We have been contributing to this application throughout 2023 The Bowes Museum will
lead on one slrand entitled 'Durham Creative Community Fellows, in partnership with National Arts Strategies
(NASI, based in the USA, and Derby Museums. This Programme will link lo the UK and USA pr¢)3rammes and
focus on supporting the growth and developmenl of cullural leaders in Durham.
Culture Durham Partnership:
We are working with cultural partners on the new fomiation of the Culture Durham Partnership as part of an
Advisory Board co<haired by Cllr Elizabeth Scott and Jill Coles (Northern Heartlands).
Advisory Board Locomotion:
The Executive Director sits on the Advisory Board for the new developments at Locomotion by the Science
Museum Group.
Durham County Culture. Leisure and Sport Leaders:
The Executive Director is supporting recenl Leaders Dinner discussions with Cllr Amanda Hopgooj, John Hewitt,
Amy Harhhoff, Alison Clark, representatives from the County Council, and key Cutture, Leisure, and Sport
leaders in the county about the future of culture-led regeneration in the region.
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Strategic report (continued)
Achievements and perfomiance (continued)
NMDC (National Museum Director's Council):
We are part of the Heritage Buildings Advisory Group with national museum partners. In winter 2023, we
attended Ihe Museum COP in London with National Museum Directors Council partners, including Tate,
Bimiingham Museums, Liverpool Museums. and the National Portrait Gallery. We agreed to a combined
commitment by museums to collective action on the climate emergency.
Conferences:
We attended the AIM conference in June 2023 and the Museums Association Conference in November 2023.
both of which were held in Gateshead. On of the evenings, we supported the MA conference as NE co-hosts
and Hannah Fox spoke on a panel with Newcastle University, Keith Merrin (TWAM), and Ron Inglis (Nottingham
Museums) about the challenges and opportunrties in leading museums today.
6. 2023-24 Key Achievements
Developing 13,000 memberships as part of our new pricing strategy.
Development of a refreshed Vision and Mission drawn from our founding principles.
Completion of a staff restructure, ensuring a fit-for-purpose and equitable workforce.
Development of four new galleries and three accessible collections stores.
50°/0+ increase in volunteer community.
20Yo increase in volunteer hours.
111 people engaged in CO•production workshops infomiing new galleries and interpretation
strategies.
12,072 people engaged with learning programmes onsite and in our neighbourhoods.
10 Conversation Wall, exhibitions featuring 40+ objects.
Exhibrtions Magic of the Silver Swan and Murmuration featuring significant loans from
nats'onal inslilutions including the British Museum. Science Museum. the Bodleian Library,
Copperfield Gallery, The Stephen Friedman Gallery, and Tyne and Wear Archives and
featuring work from artists including Larry Achiampong and David Blandy. Henna
Asikainen, Bentley Beetham, Josephine Bowes, Michel-Pierre Hubert Descours. John
Doyle, Ryan Gander, Sally Madge, Bethan Maddocks, Edouard- Aime Pils, David Shrigley,
C F Tunnicliffe and Hanna Tuulikki.
3 Artists commissions
£600,000+ secured for new galleries. conservation, volunteering, and building
improvements.
New Govemance structure in place.
25 objects (seventeen paintings, designer ouffits and six items of histori¢ lace and
embroidery} were loaned to exhibitions in London, Barnsley. The Auckland Project, and
Japan via the National Galleries of Scotland, Hamburg, Basel, Leuven, and Cologne
The Silver Swan was fully restored to working order.
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THE BOWES MUSEUM
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued
Achievements and perfonnance (continued)
7. Thanks to our supporters
We are grateful to all financial supporters of the Museum. which in the ￿e1ve months include. in alphabetiC21
order..
Art Council England - MEND
Art Fund- Swan
Arts Council England
Association of Independent Museums
Circles of Art
Daphne Joy Stroud
Durham County Council
Esmee Fairbum
Foyle Foundation
Friends of the Bowes Museum
Garfield Weston
John Ellerman
Leche Trust
National Lottery Heritage Fund
The Woltson Foundabon
Warm thanks to our 198 donors to our 'Bring back the magic of the Silver Swan. Art Fund crowdfund campaign
in December 2023.
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THE BOWES MUSEUM
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Strategic report (continued)
Financial review
Going concem
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt
the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements Further details regarding the adoption of the going
Concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Investment powers and restrictions
The Trustees may invest funds as they see fit, subjecl to any laws in place at the time.
Reserves policy
The Trustees have set a reserves policy which requires that..
Reserves v¥ill be maintained at a level which ensures that the Bowes Museum's core activity
could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty and the Museum is able to take advantage
of strategic development opportunities,
A proportion of reserves be maintsined in a readily realisable form.
In setting the overall minimum level of reserves to be held of £770,000. the Trustees have established three
levels of reserves to reflecl the different risks it must respond to..
The Museum wtll keep months worth of total expenditure to cover any short tem) setbacks in
funding or cash flow difficulties. This equales to £240,000..
The Museum will set aside £100,000 to enable the charity to take advantsge of strategic
opportunities".
The Museum will keep 500/0 of the annual income it assesses to be of high risk and 10 % of the
annLJal income it assesses to be of medium risk to cover the risk of significant Changes in the
environment in which it operates. This equates to £450,000.
The current level of free reserves is £573,479 12023: £593.9381. The Trustees intend that the Museum
generates a surplus income each year of £100,000 so that the level of reserves set in its reseTves policy builds
further over time.
The reseNes policy will be reviewed by Trustees annual￿ when annual budgets are set to ensure the level of
reserves in the policy are reasonable and that any budget surplus or deficit is set wrth regard to actual reserves
and the reserves policy.
The Bowes Museum has a specific endowment fund, the John and Josephine Bowes Fund, of £1,689,470
{2023'. £1.523,5741. The trust has a requirement lo retain the capital sum in Ihe specific endowment fund and
only spend the income to assist in covering the current expenditure (£45,220 income in the year to 31 March
2024 (2023". £45,047)).
In the long temi the trust intends to add to Ihe specrfic endowment fund. The Governance commrttee is
considering how best to achieve this alongside other fundraising priorities.
The Bowes Museum also has a Catalyst Endowment Fund of £1,973,824 {2023. £2,129,522) Donations to the
Museum were matched funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund with the intention to provide future
income for the Museum.
The endowment funds made a combined unrealised gain of £32,876 during the year (2023.. loss £453,372).
Page 23

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Structure, governance and management
Governing document
The Charity is regulated by (1) a scheme made by the Charty Commission on 12 September 2014 and (2)
company limited by guarantee. The Bowes Museum knmited (Company Registration 03879872) established for
charitable purposes only.
The Bowes Museum Limited is a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated 18 November 1999. The
Charity is governed by the memorandum and articles of ass¢xiatJon, last amended October 2014.
Recruitment and appointment of new Trustees
Each year, at the Annual General Meeting, one third of the Trustees retire and may s￿k re-election. New
Trustees are appointed when vacancies become available. A Trustee's skills matrix is maintsined and the
appointment process takes account of skills gaps.
Induction and training of new Trustees
New Trustees receive an induction to the Museum which consists of a file of goveming documents. recent
reports and minutes of meetings. and a familiarisation with the work of the Museum. Extemal training for new
Trustees in matters of govemance is available.
Pay policy for senior staff
The Trustees consKler the Senior Managernent Team to fomi the key management personnel of the Museum, in
charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the Museum on a day to day basis. The pay of the
senior staff is reviewed annually. In wew of the nature of the Museum. the Trustees benchmark against pay
levels in other simiLir Charities
Organisational structure
The Trustees meet quarterly Decisions at Trustees meetings are made by majority vote with the Chaimian
having the casting vote on split decisions
The Board is supported by four sub-ccfflmFtt￿s, Finance & Estates, Strategy & Development, Cutture and
Audience Developmenl. The chairs of these together with the Chairman. constitute the Governance Committee.
vthich meets regularty with the Director. Each sub-committee has rts own Terns of Reference and their reports
are a standing rtem for the full Board rn￿tings. The Board also receives a report from the Director of the
Museum.
The Trustees have delegated day to day management of the charty to the Director of the Museum vlho reports
on performance against the Museum's strategic arKI Ope￿lOnal plans. Financial reports are receNed quarterly
by the Board.
Stsff are involved in major decision making and policy formulation vtherever possible. Staff briefings led by
Directorate take place monthly, along with various intemal working groups, staff team meetings and diary
meetings.
Page 24

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Structure, governance and management Icontinued)
Related party relationships
Durham County Council provides core funding for the Museum.
The Friends of The 8¢)wes Museum exists to assist The Bowes Museum in meeting its objectives. The Friends
were the largest overall contribulor to the success of the Catalyst Endowment Fund reaching its target, and they
have contribuled annually to the Museum over a number of years.
During the year both the Barnard Castle Tennis Club and the Barnard Castle Bowling Club have continued to
enjoy use of the facilities within the grounds of The Bowes Museum. Both clubs are well supported, and the use
of the green and courts by members, visiting players, and the general public is extensive.
The trading subsidiary, Bowes Museum (Enterprises) Limited, operates the café. shop and function facilities of
The Bowes Museum. The charitable company has taken advantage of exemption. under the lemis of Financial
Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,, not to
disclose related paty transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries wrthin the group.
Rlsk management
Trustees regularly analyse risks to the charty. Risks are mitigated by a well-advanced development planning
programme, by close scrutiny of key perfomiance indicators, and by early negotiation of funding with core
funders.
Governance nsks are offset by the fact that Trustees are recruited with the appropriate skill-sets New Truslees
receive induction which includes all relevant documentation, meelings wilh key staff, understanding of the
collections and knowledge of the Museum's programme of exhibitions, events and activities. In addition, the full
Board meet quarterly and there is a system of rotation.
Audit. remuneration and nominations sub-committees are in place to ensure organisational risks are managed
appropriately.
Unitlng dlrection
A uniting direction has been made under s96(5) of the Charities Act 1993 with respect to The Bowes Museum
(charity no. 1079639-1}. The financial stalements for The Bowes Museum (charity no. 10796391 therefore also
inclLsde the assets held by this charty
A uniting direclion has also been made with respect to the Heritage Lottery Fund & Department for Culture,
Media and Sport Bowes Museum Catalyst Endowmenl Fund Icharty no. 1079639-2) and the financial
statements for The Bowes Museum {charity no, 10796391 include the assels held by this fund.
Page 25

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Statement of TNst8es' responslbllitles
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for
preparing the Trustees, Report including the Strategic Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accountiro Stsndards {United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
practi￿).
Company law Nui￿$ the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law, the
Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of
the state of affairs of the Group and the Charty and of their ir￿ming resources and application of resources.
including their inccmne and expendrture, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees a
required to..
select suttable accounting poI￿leS and then apply them consistentty..
observe the methods and principles of the Charrties SORP IFRS 102):
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and pwdent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any malerial
departures disclosed and explained in the financk31 statements.,
prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the
Group will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain
the Group and the Charity's transacknons and disclose wrth reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position
of the Group and the Charty and enable them to ensure that the financol slatements comply with the
Companies Act 20C6. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Charity and
hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detectK)n of fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of Informatlon to auditors
Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees, Report is approved has confimied that:
so far as that Trustee is aware. there is no rdevant audit infomiation of vthich the charitable group's
auditors are unaware. and
that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of
any relevant audit information and to establish that the charrtable group's auditors are aware of that
information.
Auditors
The auditors, Clive Owen LLP, have indicated their willingness to continue in Off￿e. The designated Trustees will
propose a motion reappointing the audrtors at a meeting of the Trustees.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Twstees on .................... ........ .
on their behalf by".
and signed
DFst0p￿etl £ KKI
Trustee
Page 26

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOWES MUSEUM
Oplnlon
We have audited the financBI statements of The Bowes Museum (the 'parent charitable companv) and its
subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of
Financial Activrties, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Charty Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of signrficant accounting policies. The financial reporting
framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting
Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland, (United Kingdom Generalty Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements..
give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and of the parent charitable company's affairs as at 31
March 2024 and of the Group's incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and
expendrture for the year then ended;
have been property prepared in accordance with Unrted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice., and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for oplnlon
We conducted our audit in accordance wth International Standards on Auditing {UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable
law Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors, responsibilities for the audit
of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance wrth the ethical
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom. including the
Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard. and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in
accordance with these requirements We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Concluslons relatlng to golng concern
In auditing the financk21 statements, we have concluded that the Trustees, use of the going concern basis of
accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identsfied any material uncertainties relating to events or
conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's or the parent charrtable
company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial
statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilrties of the Trustees wrth respect to going concern are described in the
relevant sections of this report.
Page 27

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOWES MUSEUM (CONTINYED)
Other inforniation
The other information comprises the infomation included in the Annual Report other than the financial
ststemenls and our Auditors. Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other infomiation contained
within Ihe Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other infomation and.
except to the extenl otheThiise explicrtly ststed in our report. we do not express any fomi of assurance conclusion
thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other infomiation and. in doing so, consider whether the other
infomiation is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the
audit, or otherwise appears to be Material￿ misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent
material misstatements, we are required lo detemine whether this gives rise to a material misstatemenl in the
financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed. we conclude that there is a material
misstatement of this other information. we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Oplnlon on other matters prescrfbed by the Companles Act 2006
In our opinion. based on the work undertaken in the course of the audrt..
the information given in the Trustees. Report including the Strategic Report for the financial year for which
the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.
the Trustees, Report and the Strategic Report have been prepared in accordance wilh applicable legal
requirements.
Matter8 on whlch we are requlred to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the chantsble company and ts environment obtained in the
course of the audit. we have nol identrfied material misstslements in the Trustees. Report including the Strategic
Report.
We have nothing to report in ￿spect of the following matters in rektion to vthich Companies Act 2006 requires
us to report to you if, in our opinion..
the parent charitable company has not kept adequate and sufficient accounting records, or returns
adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visrted by us.. or
the parent charitable company financial stalements a￿ not in agreement Y￿h the accounting records and
retums., or
certain disclosures of Trustees. remuneration specffied by law are not made; or
we have not received all the Information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responslbllities of trustees
As explained more fulty in the Trustees. Responsibilities Statement, the Trustees {vtho are also the directors of
the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the
Tfuslees detemiine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstalement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements. the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Group's and the parent
charitsble companls abilty to continue as a going concern. disclosing, as applicab￿. matters related to going
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Group
or the parent charrtable company or to cease operations, or have no realistjc alternatsve but to do so.
Page 28

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOWES MUSEUM ICONTINUED)
Auditor5. responsibilities for the audit of the financlal statements
Our objectNes are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free
from matenal misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors, Report that includes our
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance. but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in
accordance with ISAS (UK) will always delect a matenal misstatemenl when rt exists. Misstatements can arise
from fraud or error and are considered matenal rf, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be
expected to influence the econwiic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements
IrregularFties, including fraud, are instances of nonthcompliance wtth laws afKI regulations. We design prcredures
in line with our responsibilities. outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities,
including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are Capab￿ of detecting irregulartties, including fraud is
detailed below.
We undertake the follow'ng Pr￿edureS to ￿entfy and respond to these risks of non-cwipliance:
Understanding the key legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the Group We
communicated identtfied lav￿ and regulations throughout the audit team and remained alert to
any indications on non-compliance throughout the audit. We determined the most signfficant of
these to be around employment law, charity law, company law, health and safety law, food and
hygiene and licencing regulabons, taxation law and GDPR.
Enquiry of directors and management as to poliaes and procedures to ensure compliance and
any known instances of non-compliance.
Review of Board minutes and correspondence *ith regulators.
Enquiry of directors and management as to areas of the financial ststements susceptible to
fraud and how those risks are managed
Challenging management on key estimates, assumptions and judgements made in the
preparation of the financial statements. These key areas of uncertainty are disclosed in the
accounting policies.
Identifying and testing unusual joumal entries. V•ith a particular focus on manual joumal entries.
Through these prcredures. we dKJ not become aware of actual or suspected nonrycompliance.
We planned ar)d perfomied our audtt in accordance with auditing standards bLrt owing to the inherent limitations
of procedures required in these areas. there is an unavoidable nsk that we may not have detected a material
misstatement in the financial slatements. The further removed non-complian￿ with law and regulations is from
the events and transactions reflected in the financial statement, the less likety we would become aware of rt The
risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the nsk of not detecting one resulting
from error, as fraud may Invo￿ concealment. collusion, forgery, mis￿p￿sentation. or override of inter controls.
We are not responsible for preventing non-complian￿ and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance wrth all
laws and regulations.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financ￿1 statements is Iccated on the Financial
Reporting Council's website at.. V4ww.frc.or
.uklaudrtorsres
nsibilities. This descnption fomis part of our
Auditors, Report.
Page 29

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limlted by Guarantee)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE BOWES MUSEUM (CONTINUED
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part
16 of the Companies Act 20C6. Our audrt work has been undertaken so that we might state lo the charitable
company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors, Report and for no other
purpose. To the fullest extent pemrtted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than
the charitable company and its members. as a body. for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we
have fomied.
Christopher Beaumont BA (Honsl BFP FCA DChA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of
Clive Owen LLP
Chartered Accountsnts and Statutory Auditors
140 Conisclrffe Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 7RT
Date".
3-afr
Page 30

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES IINCORPORATING INCOME AND
EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Tolal
funds
2023
Note
Income and
ondowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activrties
Other trading activities
Investrnents
357,378
399,906
2,104,314
30,022
397,378
1,628,494
2,104,314
182,029
393,911
382, 736
1.275,975
162,271
1,228,588
152,007
Total Income and
endowments
2,891.620
1,268.588
152.007
4,312,215
2.214,893
Expendfture on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
1,144,350
1,926,005
1,144,350
2,161,703
979,345
1,519,605
235,687
11
Total expenditure
3,070,355
235,687
11
3,306.053
2,498, 950
Net
lexpenditure)fincome
before net
gainsl(losses> on
Investments
Net gainslllosses) on
investments
{178,735}
1.032.901
151,996
1,006.162
(284, 057)
32,876
32,876
(453, 372)
Net
(expenditure)Ilncome
Trar)sfers between
funds
1178,7351
1,032,901
184,872
1,039.038
(737,429)
19
230.218
($5,544
1174,6741
Net movement In
funds before other
recognlsed
galnsl{losses)
51,483
977,357
10.198
1,039,038
(737,429)
Other recognised
gainsl{losses):
Actuarial losses on
defined benefrt pension
schemes
26
(20,000)
120,1)00)
Net movement In
funds
31.483
977,357
10,198
1,019,038
(737,429)
Reconciliation of
funds:
Total funds brought
forward
7,081.126
31,483
2.398,597
977,357
3,653,096
10.198
13,132,819
1.019,038
13,870, 248
(737.429)
Nel movement in funds
Page 31

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND
EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Un￿StriCted
funds
2024
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Note
Total funds carried
forward
7.112,609
3.375.954
3,663,294
14,151.857
13, 132,819
Page 32

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 03879872
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Heritage assets
Investments
13
483,953
8,805,504
3,663,304
80,281
8, 805.504
3, 630,428
14
15
12,952,761
12,516,213
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
16
66,191
904.603
628,146
48, 308
237, 639
635, 148
17
1,598,940
921,095
Creditors.. amounts falling due within one
year
18
1399,844)
(304, 489)
Net current assets
1,199,096
616,606
Total assets less current liabilities
14,151,857
13, 132,819
Net assets excluding pension asset
14,151,857
13, 132,819
Total net assets
14,151,857
13, 132,819
Page 33

THE BOWES MUSEUM
{A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 03879872
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEEf (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Note
Charity funds
Endowment funds
Restricted funds
Unrestr￿ed funds
19
19
19
3,663.294
3,375,954
7.112,609
3,653,096
2,398.597
7.081, 126
Totsl funds
14,151,857
13, 132,819
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for COmp￿.ng with the requirements of the Act wrth respect to
accounting records and preparation of financk81 statements.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on .........
and signed on their behalf by..
f tj
Trust
The notes on pages 38 to 65 fomi part of these financial statements.
Page 34

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 03879872
CHARIry BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Note
Flxed assots
Tangible assets
Heritage assets
Investments
13
14
483,953
8,805,504
3,663.314
80,281
8.805,S
3,630.438
15
12,952,771
12,516,223
Current assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
17
1,301,116
249,047
512, 145
261,868
1,550.163
774,013
Credrtors.. amounts falling due within one
year
18
(351,077)
(157,417)
Net current assets
1,199,086
616.596
Total assets less current liabilities
14,151,857
13, 132,819
Net assets excluding penslon asset
14,151,857
13, 132,819
Total net assets
14,151,857
13, 132,819
Charity funds
Endowment funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds excluding pension asset
19
19
3,663,294
3.375.9S4
3, 653,096
2,398, 597
19
7.112.609
7,081. 126
Total UnreStr￿ted funds
19
7.112,609
7,081, 126
Total funds
14,151,857
13. 132,819
The Charty's net movement in funds for the year was £1,019,038 (2023 - £(737,429)).
Page 35

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 03879872
CHARITY BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
The Twstees a¢knO￿edge their responsibilrtEs for cOMp￿.n9 with the requirements of the Act wrth respect to
accounting records and preparat￿n of financial statements
The financial statements vRre approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on .3. 5 0 Z¢z.y.....
and signed on their behalf by:
Trustee
The notes on pages 38 to 65 fonn part of these fina[￿la1 statements.
Page 36

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
264,315
(427,496)
Cash flows from investlng activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of heritage assets
{423,313
(32,579)
(2.275)
Net cash used In investing activities
(423,313)
(34,854)
Cash flows from financing activities
Endowment income
Endowment expenditure
152.007
(11)
152,271
(li)
Net cash provided by financing activities
151,996
152,260
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equNalents at the beginning of the year
17,002)
635,148
1310,090)
945,238
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
628,146
635, 148
The notes on pages 38 to 65 form part of these financial statements
Page 37

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Llmited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accountlng policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in ￿)rdance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102)
Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) (effective 1 January 20191, the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Bowes Museum meets the definition of a public benefrt entty under FRS 102. Assets and
liabilrties are initially recognised at historical cosl or transaction value unless otherwise staled in the
relevant accounting policy.
The Consolidaled Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) and Consolidated Balance Sheel
consolidate the financial statements of the Charity and rts subsidiary undertaking The results of the
subsidiary are consolidated on a line by line basis.
The Charty has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act
20C6 and has not presented its own Statement of Financial Activities in these financial statements.
1.2 Company status
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the C¢)mpany are the Trustees
named on page 1. In the event of the charty being wound up, the liabilty in respect of the
guarantee is limrted to £1 pef member of the charty.
1.3 Going concern
The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any
material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of
the Museum to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a
period of at least one year from the date the financial statements are approved.
On the basis of the above the Trustees believe it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going
concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements, Whilst in the current environment
there can never be any certainty over the level of profitability and continuing financial support. having
made appropriate enquiries, the Trustees do not believe there to be any material uncertainty and they
therefore believe it is appropriate to have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis.
No adjustments have been made to reflecl any writedown or wrileup of assets to net realisable value,
to provide for any further liabilities which may arise or lo reclassify fixed assets and long term
liabilrties as current assets and liabilities, as might be necessary were continuing financial support not
be available or the sale of assets on a timely basis and the going concern basis found not to be valid.
Page 38

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting policies (continued
1.4 Income
All income is reccgnised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the
income w￿11 be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured relk4bly.
Legacy income is recoJnised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established. Where
legacy is notified to the charrty prior to the year end, it is recognised as income rf Ft is received before
the accounts are approved Income from donations is recognised when there is evidence of
entrtlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the consol￿ated Statement of Financial ActTrvities on a receivable basis. The
balance of income received for Spectr￿ purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the
relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entrtlement of receipt,
its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred inc(xne. Where entrtlement occurs
before income is received. the income is accrued.
Donated Ser￿￿S and facilrties..
Income from donated gocds is measured at the fair Wdlue of the goods unless this is impractical to
measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost lo the donor or the estimated
resale value. Donated faciltties and serwces are recognised in the accounts when received rf the
value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the Contribution of general volunteers.
Income from contr&ts for the supply of services is recognised wrth the delivery of the contracted
serwce. This is classrfied as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be
spent on a particular purpose and returned rf unspent. in which case it may be regarded as restricted.
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefrt
to a third paty, rt is probable that a transfer of economic benefrts will be required in settlement and
the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activty The costs
of each actiwty are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs. including support costs
involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activty are allocated directly
to that activity Shared costs which contribute to more than one activty and support costs which are
not attributable to a single activty are apportboned be￿een those activities on a basis consistent with
the use of resources. Central slaff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent. and depreciation
charges allocated on the portjon of the asset's use.
Expendrture on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Group to raise funds for rts
charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising actwities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charttable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activrties which further the
Group's objectives. as well as any associated support costs.
Redundancy costs are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities in the year in
which an irrevccable commrtment is made to incur the costs and the main features of the
restructuring plan have been announced to affected efflployees.
1.6 Govemment grants
Govemmeni grants are credrted to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities as the related
expenditure is incurred.
Page 39

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting policies Icontlnued)
1.7 Taxation
The Charty is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act
2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.
Accordingly, the Charty is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains
received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section
256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are
applied exclusively to charitsble purposes.
1.8 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic
benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are inrtially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible
fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment
losses All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended Y￿rkIng condf(ion should be
included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value
over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases..
Fixtures and fittings
Office equipment
Computer equipment
Other fixed assets
5'A _250/0 on cost
25% on cost
250/0 on cost
25./0 on cost
1.9 Heritage assets
Where heritage assets have been purchased, they are initially recognised at cost. After recognition,
under Ihe cost model. heritage assets are measured at cost less any accumulaled impaimient
losses.
1.10 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a fomi of financial instrument and are initialty recognised at their
transaction cost and subsequently measured at market value at the Balance Sheet date. Investment
gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as 'GainsllLosses) on
investments, in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities.
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for Impai￿ent.
1.11 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to sell after making due
allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks.
1.12 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepatd net of any trade discounts due.
Page 40

THE 8OWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting policies Icontinued)
1.13 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investrnents with a short maturty
of three months or less from the date of ￿qUISit￿1n or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.14 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities a￿ reccgnised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a resum of a past
event, rt is probable that a t￿nsfer of economic benefrt will be required in settlement, and the amount
of the settlement can be esb'mated reliably.
Liabilrties are reccMJnised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it wll pay to settle the debt or the
amount rt has ￿ceiVed as advanced Pa￿entS for the goc*Js or seNices it must prOV￿e.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obl￿atIOn. Where
the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those
amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks spectfic to the liability. The
unwnding of the discount is reccyJnised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activrties as a
finance cost.
1.15 Financial instruments
The Group only has financkal assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualfy as basic financial
instruments. Basic financial instruments are inrtially reccgnised at transaction value and subsequently
measured at their settlement value wrth the exception of bank loans which are subsequently
measured at amortised cost using the effecttve interest method.
1.16 Pensions
Retirement benefits to employees of the Group are provided by the L￿al Govemment Pension
Scheme ("LGPS"). This is a defined benefit pension scheme and the pension charge is based on a
full actuarial valuation dated 31 March 2022.
The LGPS is a funded mulli*mployer scheme and the assets are hekl separately frcfft those of the
Group in separate Trustee administered funds Pension scheme assets are measured at fair value
and liabilrties are measufed on an actuarial basis using the projected unit credit methc*J and
discounted at a rate equivalent to the Cufrent rate of return on a h￿h quality corporate bond of
equivalent term and currency to the liabililies. The actuarkgl valuations are obtained at least triennialty
and are updated at each Balance Sheet date. The amounts charged to operating surplus are the
current service costs and the costs of scheme inlroductions. benefit changes, settlements and
curtailments. They are included as part of stsff costs as incurred. Net interest on the net defined
benefit liabiltylasset is also recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities and comprises the
interest cost on the defined benefrt obligation and interest income on the scheme assets, calculated
by Multipl￿ng the fair value of the scheme assets at the beginning of the period by the rate used to
discount the benefrt obligations The dtfference between the inlerest income on the scheme assets
and the actual retum on the scheme assets is recognised in other recognised gains and losses.
Actuarial gains and losses are rec(yJnised immediately in other recognised gains and losses.
Page 41

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Accounting policies (continued)
1.17 Fund accounting
General funds are un￿Stricted funds which are available for use at the dISc￿tion of the Trustees in
furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designaled for other
purposes.
DeswJnated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set a$￿e by the Trustees for particular
purposes. The aim and use of each deS￿nated fund is set out in the notes to the financial
statements.
Restncted funds are funds wtlich are to be used in accordance %Mth specffj￿ reStr￿tionS imposed by
donors or which have been raised by the Group for particular purposes. The costs of raising and
administering such funds are charged against the $pecffj￿ fund. The aim and use of each restricted
fund is set out in the notes to the financ￿1 statements.
End0%￿nent funds represent the pemanent funds of the charty. All inc￿le generated by the funds
ar8 unrestricted and used for the pUr￿Se of the charty.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
Crltlcal accountlng estimates and areas of Judgement
In the application of the chartys and the group's accounling policEs the Trustees are required to make
judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experTrence and other
factors, including expectati￿8 of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances.
These include the valuation of donated herrtage assets which are based on advice from the Arts Council in
the case of assets received via Ihe organisation for example if receNed by HM Treasury in lieu of tax or on
the estimate of the Museum's own curatorial staff in the case of smaller donations. Estimates also include
the depreciation rate applied to the various categories of the various langible fixed assets.
The presenl value of the Local Government Pension Scheme defined benefrt liability depends on a
number of factors that are detemiined on an actuarial basis using a variety of assumptions. The
assumptions used in determining the net cost or income for pensions include the discount rate. Any
changes in these assumptions, which are discbsed in note 26 will Impact the carrwng amount of the
pension liabilty. Furthemiore a roll forward approach which projects results from the latest full actuarial
valuation perfonned at 31 March 2022 has been used by the actuary in valuing the pensions liability at 31
March 2024. Any differences behveen the figures derived from the roll forward approach and a full
actuarial valuation would impact on the carrying amount of the pensK)n liabilty.
Page 42

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Friends of the Bowes Museum
Donations
Core funding frwi DCC
372
31,516
325,490
40.000
40.372
31,516
325.490
30, 520
27,901
335. 490
357,378
40.000
397,378
393,911
Total 2023
390, 932
2,979
393,911
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Grants - see note 7
Crowdfunding
Education income
375,812
24.767
(673)
1,228,588
1,604,400
24,767
(673)
380, 172
2, 564
Total 2024
399,9C6
1,228,588
1,628,494
382, 736
Total 2023
377, 379
5,357
382, 736
Page 43

THE BOWES MUSEUM
{A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Income from other trading activltles
Income from fundraising events
Unrestrlcted Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Entrance Income
Gift aid rebale
Sundry income
Exhibrtions tsx relief
Trading company income
434,091
68.463
18.199
638,415
945.146
434,091
68,463
18,199
638.415
945,146
349. 188
31,997
49,835
56.896
788,059
Total 2024
2.104.314
2,104,314
1,275,975
Tolal 2023
1.271.071
1,275,975
Investment Income
Unrestricted Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Dividends receivab￿ on endcwnent funds
Pension inccffie
152.007
152,029
30,000
152,271
10, CLkJ
30,022
152.007
182,029
162,271
Total 2023
10,C
152.271
162,271
Page 44

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Analysis of grants
2024
2023
Arts Council England
Other
Restricted grants
374,572
1,240
1.228.588
374.575
5.357
1,604,400
379,932
2024
2023
Restricted grants:
NHLF
John Ellem￿n Foundation
The Woffson Foundabon
Foyle Foundation
Connected Communities
Arts Counal England - MEND
Garfield Weston
Esmee Fairburn
Other < £10,000
146,342
27.051
254,900
65,000
43.242
584.804
40,000
46.836
20.413
5.357
1,228,588
5,357
Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
Unrestricted
funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Admissions
324.148
324,148
274,689
Total 2024
324,148
324,148
274, 689
Total 2023
274,689
274, 689
Page 45

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Expenditure on raising funds (continued)
Trading expenses
Unrestricted
funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Trading company
820.202
820,202
704, 656
Total 2023
704, 656
704, 656
Analysls of charitable actbvities
Support
costs
2024
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Direct costs
2024
Exhibitions
Education
Collections
400,727
115.350
137,741
873,157
293,348
341,380
1,273,884
408,698
479,121
789, 782
397,474
332, 349
Total 2024
653,818
1.507.885
2.161,703
1,519,605
Tolal 2023
474, 503
1,045, 102
1,519,605
Support costs directly attributable to an activty have been allocated to that activty. Where support costs
cannot be directly attributed to any activty they hav ebeen allocated in proportion to direct expendrture.
Trading costs relate to total expendrture incurred attributed to admL8sions within the Museum.
In 2024, of Ihe total expenditure, £3.070,355 (2023.. £2,473,874) was to unrestricted funds, £11 {2023'.
£11) was to endowment funds and £235,687 (2023: £25.065) was to restricted funds.
Page 46

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Analysis of charitable activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs
Total
funds
2024
Total
runds
2023
Staff costs
Rates and water
Postage and stationery
Sundries
Staff serw
Public prcgramme
COnservat￿n
320,103
14,483
13,102
3,471
43.763
252,731
6,165
312.416
27,455
18,593
2,375
38,370
61,366
13, 928
Total 2024
653,818
474,503
Analysis of support costs
Total
funds
2024
Total
funds
2023
Staff Costs
Depreciation
Postage arKJ stationery
Sundries
Insuran
626.943
19,641
20,286
25.670
94,507
192,025
8,133
37,000
369,782
2,769
17,500
96,950
13,321)
417,671
30, 608
14,509
22, 745
83,019
79, 982
10, 726
62, 884
226,821
2, 104
16,X
77, 533
Light and heat
Telephone
Advertising
Repairs and renewals
Bank charges
Auditors remuneration
Legal and professional fees
Bad debts written off
Total 2024
1,507,885
1.045, 102
Governance costs included above amount to £114,450 (2023.. £94.033).
Page 47

THE 8OWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarnntee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10.
Net incomelexpenditure
2024
2023
Depreck9tTron of tangible fixed assets..
- owned by the Chanty
Audrtors, remuneration - audrt - Charty
Audrtors, remuneration - audrt - Subshliary
19,641
17.500
30. 608
16,
9, 788
11. Staff costs
Group
2024
Group
2023
Charlty
2024
Charity
2023
Wages and salaries
Social secunty costs
Pension costs
Other pensi)n costs (note 26)
1,505,264
108,660
59,456
10.000
1,263.294
81, 773
34.827
10.C
1,120,360
90.530
50.304
10,000
904, 788
63,865
26, 123
10,CKIO
1.683.380
1.389,894
1.271,194
1,C(14. 776
Other pension costs relate to the current and past seNFce costs as detailed in note 26.
The average number of persons employed by the Charty during the year was as follows..
Group
2024
Group
2023
Charty
Subsidiary
52
49
28
81
77
The number of employees whose employee benefrts (excluding empFoyer pension costs) exceeded
£60,000 was:
Group
2024
Group
2023
In the band £70.001- £80,000
In the band £80,001 - £90.000
Remuneration of key management personnel (including employer national insurance and employer
pension contributions) was £272.302 (2023.. £150,844).
Included within stsff costs are redundancy payments totalling £30.582 (2023.. £Nill.
Page 48

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Llmited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
12. Trustees. remuneratlon and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefrts (2023 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 March 2024. travel and subsistence expenses totalling £1,000 were reimbursed
or paid direclly to 1 Trustee (2023 - £NIL to T￿steeS).
13. Tangible fixed assets
Group and Charlty
Flxtures and
flttings
Office
equlprnent
Computer Other flxed
equlpment
assets
Total
Cost or valuatlon
At 1 April 2023
Addrtions
1,321,555
410,868
19,159
131.371
194,031
12,445
1,666,116
423,313
At 31 March 2024
1,732,423
19,159
131,371
206,476
2,089,429
Depreclatlon
Al 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
1,263,843
10,119
19,159
121,887
3.161
180,946
6,361
1.585,835
19,641
At 31 March 2024
1,273,962
19,159
125,048
187,307
1,605,476
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
458,461
6,323
19,169
483,953
Al 31 March 2023
57,712
9,484
13,085
80,281
Page 49

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
14. Herltage assets
Group and Charty
Assets re¢ognlsed at cost
Heritage
assets
2024
Carrying value at 1 April 2023
8,805,504
Carrying value at 31 March 2024
8,805,504
The char￿S heritage assets comprise the building and grounds tO3ether wrth the colsection. The
Museum building is a Grade I listed building and is Iccated in a landsr2ped park listed as Grade11 on the
Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England The grounds also contain a bowling
green and tennis courts and entrance lodges. Nursery grounds and buildings are l(Kated lo the north side
of the park. The collection is made up of a diverse range of pictures. textiles, ceramics. Mela￿ork,
sculpture and items of historical interest based around the original collection of the founders John and
Josephine Bowes.
Under the current Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP} and FRS 102 items purchased for the
collection are capitalised and included at cost in the balance sheet. Items acquired prior to the 2005
SORP are not included in the financial statemenls.
The Museum maintains rts collection for ils historical and artistic value. Any valuation is completed wthin
the confines of the requirements of the management and preservation of the collection and for no other
purpose. In accordance wrth the provisions of both the SORP and the FRS, no value has been attributed
to items ￿qUired prior to the implementation of the SORP 2005 due to the lack of reliable information
regarding cost or valuation.
Access to the collection is promoted through educalional workshops, tours as W￿11 as through general
admissions to the Museum. More information about the Museum's activities and collection can be found
at the Museum's websrte.
Heritage assets reported in the balance sheet during the last five years were as follows..
Analysis of herltage asset transactions
Group and Charity
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Purchases
Heritage assets
2.275
18,000
18,596
8,375
Total additions
2,275
18,000
18,596
8,375
Page 50

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
16.
Fixed asset investments
Llsted
investments
Group
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2023
Revaluations
3.630,428
32,876
At 31 March 2024
3,663,304
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
3,663,304
At 31 Ma￿h 2023
3, 630,428
The listed investments relate to the followtng".
82,685 shares in the COIF Charities Investment Fund. These investments are held by the BovRs
Museum (charity no 1071630).
The historical cost of these investrnents at 31 March 2024 was £953.941 {2023'. £953,941).
1,906,902 shares in the COIF Chartties Property Fund. These investments afe held by the Catalyst
Endowment Fund (charity no 1079639-2).
The histor￿￿1 cost of tI￿se investrnents as 31 March 2024 was £2,312.183 (2023: £2,312,183).
Investments
in
subsidiary
Listed
companies investments
Total
Charity
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2023
Revaluations
10
3,630,428
32,876
3,630.438
32,876
At 31 March 2024
10
3.663.304
3,663.314
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
10
3,663,304
3.663,314
At 31 March 2023
10
3, 630, 428
3, 630, 438
Page 51

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Principal subsidiaries
The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Charity..
Name
Company
number
Aggregate of share
capital and reseryes Profiulloss)
Holding
The Bowes Museum (Enlerprises) Limrted 06864117
10
100°
The financial resums of the subsidiary for the year were..
Name
Income
Expenditur
Net assets
The Bowes Museum (Enterprises) Limited
945,146
945,146
10
16. Stocks
Group
2024
Group
2023
Goods for resale
66,191
48,308
17.
Debtors
Group
2024
Group
2023
Charity
2024
Charity
2023
Due within one year
Trade debtors
29,727
27. 781
26,130
402.175
7,143
865.668
27,114
275, 173
65,672
144. 186
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
7,143
867,733
65,672
144, 186
904,603
237, 639
1,301,116
512, 145
Page 52

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
18. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Group
2024
Gn)up
2023
Charity
2024
Charity
2023
Trade creditors
Other taxation and S￿la1 security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred incorne
94.527
51.908
4.788
248,621
64.393
140.612
9. 620
89,864
64,276
51,908
4,788
230,105
41,389
24, 320
9, 620
82, 088
399,844
304,489
351,077
157,417
Group
2024
Group
2023
Charity
2024
Charity
2023
Deferred Income
Deferred income at 1 April 2023
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous pericmls
5.346
40.545
(5,346)
5,346
40, 545
(5. 346)
27,434
{40,545)
20.739
140,$45)
Deferred income at 31 March 2024
27,434
40.545
20,739
40,545
Page 53

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
19. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Balance at
31 March
2024
Balance at 1
April 2023
Transfers
inlout
Gainsl
(Losses)
Income Expenditure
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Legacies
20,000
20,000
General funds
General
Pension reserve
7.061,126
2.861,620 (3.060,355)
(10.000)
230,218
7,092,609
(20.1)00)
7.061,126
2,891,620 (3.070,355}
230,218
(20,000) 7,092,609
Total
Unrestricted
funds
7.081.126
2,891,620 {3,070,355)
230,218
{20,000} 7,112,609
Endowment
funds
John &
Josephine
Bowes
Catalyst
Endowment
1,523,574
45,220
(19,558)
140,234
1.689,470
2.129,522
106,787
{11) (155,1161 1107,358) 1.973,824
3.653,096
152.007
111) {174,674)
32,876
3.663,294
Restricted
funds
Acquisitions &
Conservation
2,237,352
143.595
152.842
8,913
(152,842)
91.354
{8,913) (143.595)
2,328,706
Education
Caprtal
Improvement
Skills for the
FLrture
2,806
989,704
147,770)
956,280
14,844
117,129
126.162)
(14,843)
90,968
2,398,597
1,268,588
(235,687)
(55,544)
3,375.954
Page 54

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
19.
Statement of funds (continued)
Total of funds
13,132,819
4,312,215 (3,306,053
12,876 14,151,857
Unrestricted funds represent resources available for the general work of the charty.
The Acquisitions fund is a designated fund within unrestricted funds and represents a legacy received by
the Museum to be used by the Trustees to fund fulure acquisilions.
The Pernsion Fund is a designated fund wtthin unrestricted funds and represents the liability of the
Museum under its defined benefit pension scheme, the details of which are set out in note 26.
Restricted funds relate to grants and donations for specific purposes..
Capital Improvements Fund - funding to enable the redevelopment of the reception, cafe and shop areas
on the ground floor, new textile galleries and sifver and metal galleries on the first floor and the installation
of new service and passenger lifts. This funding compromises grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund itself
together with additional funding from other sources towards the same project.
Skills for the Future is funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund toward the Museum's paintings and textiles
conservation skills project and will help to extend and formalise conseNation training delivered by the
Museum.
Acquisitions and Conservation fund funding towards objects purchased and major conservation work to
be undertaken.
Friends of The Bowes Museum is set up by its Articles of Association to support the Musuem. It is wrrtten
into their constitution thal the donations may not support the building. maintenance or staff costs.
Education Fund is funding received for vartous community and art education projects.
The Calalyst Endowment Fund is an endowmenl fund whereby donations were matched by a grant from
the Heritage Lottery Fund. The inlention of the fund is to provide future income for the Museum.
The John and Josephine Bowes Endowment fund represents the original endowment left by the founders
of the Museum.
Transfers be￿een funds..
£152,007 has been transferred between Endowment Fund and general funds relating to unrestricted
investment income (2023: £151,834). The Trustees reviewed the funds during 2023124 and made further
transfers to ensure they reflect the ambitions of the Charity.
Page 55

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Llmlted by Guarantee
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
19. Statement of funds {continued)
Statement of funds - prlor year
Balance al
31 March
2023
Balance al
l Apnl 2022
Transfers
inlout
Gains/
(Loss8s)
Income Expenditure
Unrestrlcted
funds
Deslgnated
funds
Legacies
20.000
20.1
General funds
General
Pension reserve
7,353, 784
2.019,382 (2.463,874)
10,000
(10,000)
151,834
7,061. 126
7,353, 784
2. 029,382 (2. 473, 874)
757,834
7.061, 126
Total
Unrestrlcted
funds
7,353, 784
2, 049,382 (2, 473, 874)
151,834
7,081, 126
Endowment
funds
John &
Josephine
Bowes
Catalyst
Endowment
1,584, 505
45,047
(45,047)
(60, 931)
1,523.574
2,521,537
107, 224
(11) (106, 787) (392,441) 2, 129,522
4. 106. 042
152,271
(11) (151, 834)
(453, 372) 3. 653, 096
Restricted
funds
Acquisitions &
Conservation
Education
Capital
Improvement
Skills for the
Future
2, 249, 756
143,016
3, 783
10,057
(15,587)
(9,478)
2,237,352
143, 595
2,806
2. 806
14,844
14,844
2,470,422
13,240
(25,065)
2,398, 597
Page 56

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
19. Statement of funds (continued
Total of funds
13,870, 248
2, 214, 893 (2. 498, 950)
(453,372) 13, 132,819
Page 57

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
20. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
Balance at
31 March
2024
Balance at 1
April 2023
Transfers
Inlout
Galnsl
(Losses)
Income Expenditure
Designated
funds
General funds
Endowment
funds
Reslricted funds
20,000
7,061,126
20,000
120,000) 7,092,609
2,891,620 (3,070,355)
230,218
3,653,096
2.398.597
152,007
1,268,588
(111 (174,674
1235,687)
(55,544)
32,876
3,663,294
3,375,954
13,132,819
4,312,215 13,306,053)
12,876 14,151,857
Summary of funds - prlor year
Balance 8t
31 March
2023
Balance at
l Apnl 2022
Transfe
in/out
Gain
(Losses)
Income Expenditure
Designated
funds
Genefal funds
Endowment
funds
Restricted funds
20, 000
2,029, 382 (2,473,874)
7,353, 784
151,834
7.061, 126
4, 106, 042
2,410,422
152,271
13,240
(11) (151, 834) (453, 372) 3, 653,096
(25. 065)
2, 398,597
13,870,248
2, 214, 893 (2,498, 950)
(453,372) 13, 132,819
Page 58

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
21. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysls of net assets between funds - current period
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
Total
funds
2024
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Heritage assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
26,766
457.187
483,953
3.663,304
8,805,504
1,598.940
(10) (399,8441
3,663,304
6,512,364
973,313
(399,834)
2,293,140
625,627
Total
7,112,609
3,375,954
3,663,294 14,151,857
Analysls of net assets between funds - prlor perlod
Unrestricled
funds
2023
ReStr￿ted Endowmenl
funds
funds
2023
2023
Total
lunds
2023
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Heritage assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
80,281
80,281
3, 630, 428
8, 805, 504
921,095
(304,489)
3,630, 428
6, 495, 363
890, 252
(304, 489)
2,310, t41
8,175
22, 668
Total
7,081, 126
2, 398, 597
3,653,096 13, 132,819
Page 59

THE 8OWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
Group
2024
Group
2023
Net incmielexpenditure for ttrE pencKI (as per Statement of Financial
Activities)
1.039,038
(737, 429)
Adjustments for.
Depreciation charges
(Gainslllosses on investments
Endowment income
19.641
30. 608
(32,876)
453,372
(152,007) (152,271)
(17,883)
(14,691)
(666,964
(2,083)
95,355
(5.013)
(20,000
11
Increase in stocks
Incfease in debtors
Increasel{decrease) in credrtors
Other finance income
Costs 3rtnbutab￿ to EndoNment
11
Net cash provided byl(used in) operating activities
2fA,315
(427,496)
23. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Group
2024
Group
2023
Cash in hand
628,146
635, 148
Total cash and cash equivalents
628,146
635, 148
24. Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1 April
2023 Cash flows
At 31 March
2024
Cash at bank and in hand
635,148
(7.002)
628,146
635.148
(7,002)
628.146
Page 60

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
25. Capital commitments
Group
2024
Group
2023
Charity
2024
Charity
2023
Contracted for but not provided in these
financial statements
Acquisition of tangible fixed assets
836,955
836,955
Page 61

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
26.
Pension commitments
The Group operates a defined benefit pension scheme.
The latest actuarial valuation of the LGPS related to the period ended 31 March 2022.
The actuary has undertaken a valuation of the LGPS as at 31 March 2024 which shows an asset of
£680,000. In accordance with 28.22 of FRS102 as the charity will not benefit from either reduced
contribution rates in the future nor a refund from the scheme the asset is not recognised within these
financial statements.
Principal actuarial assumptions at the Balance Sheet date {expressed as weighted averages):
At 31 March At 31 March
2024
2023
Discount rate
Future salary Inc￿aseS
Future pension increases
CPI inflation
Pension accounts revaluation rate
Sensltivity analysis
At 31 March At 31 March
2024
2023
Discount rate +0.1Yo
Discount rate -0.10
Mortality assumption - 1 year increase
Mortality assumption - 1 year decrease
CPI rate +0.10
CPI rate -0.10
(10,000
10.000
{10,000)
10,000
10,000
110,000)
(10,000)
10,000
(10,000)
10,000
10,000
(10,000)
Page 62

THE BOWES MUSEUM
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
26.
Pension commitments {continued)
The Group's share of the assets in the scheme was..
At 31 March At 31 March
2024
2023
Equities
Govemment bonds
Corporate bonds
Propety
Cash
Other
Multi Asset Credrt
1,660,000 1,580,000
310,000
380, C
290,000
130,C
200,(KJO
230,0
50,000
70,000
460,000
130.CK)O
450,000
Total fair value of assets
3,040,000
2,9￿,000
The actual retum on scheme assets was £680,000 (2023- £520.1)XP).
The amounts recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities are as follows..
2024
2023
Current service cost
Interest income
10,000
(140,000)
110,000
10,
(90.(￿)
Interest cost
Total amount recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial
Activities
(20,000)
Movements in the present value of the defined benefft obligation were as follo￿.
2024
Opening defined benefrt obligatK)n
Current service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial gains
Benefits paid
Asset ceiling restriction
2.430,000
10,000
110.000
(40,000)
(150,000)
520.000
Closing defined benefit obligatbon
2,880,000
Page 63

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
26. Pension commitments (continued)
Movements in the fair value of the Group's share of scheme assets were as follows..
2024
Opening fair value of scheme assets
Expected return on assets
Actuarial losses
Benefrts paid
2,950,000
140,000
(60,000)
(150,000)
Closing fair value of scheme assets
2,880,000
27. Operating lease commitments
At 31 March 2024 the Group and the Charity had commrtments to make future minimum lease payments
under non-cancellable operating leases as follows..
Group
2024
Group
2023
Charity
2024
Charity
2023
Nol later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
1,200
2,100
1,200
2,100
3,300
3,300
The following lease payments have been recognised as an expense in the Statement of Financial
Activities..
Group
2024
Group
2023
Charity
2024
Charity
2023
Operating lease rentsls
300
300
28. Members. liability
Each member of the charttable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the
event of it being wound up while helshe is a member. or within one year after helshe ceases to be a
member, such amount as may be required. not exceeding £1 for the debts and liabilities contracted before
helshe ceases to be a member.
Page 64

THE BOWES MUSEUM
IA Company Limited by Guaranteel
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Related party transactions
The Friends of Bowes Museum is a connected chafty as it exists to assist The Bowes Museum in its
objectives. During the year The Friends of Bowes Museum made donations to The Bowes Museum as
shown in note 3. At the year end £394 (2023.. £553) was due to the Museum from The Friends of Bowes
Museum and creditors of £Nil (2023.. £1,946) are included for amounts due to The Friends of Bowes
Museum for subscriptions collected.
Durham County Council provides core funding for the museum as shown in note 3.
P D A Mothersill is a Trustee of Barnard Castle sch￿￿. During the year sales of £180 (2023". £72) were
made for a Museum visit. At the year end £180 {2023.' £72) was due to the Museum from Barnard Castle
School.
E Smith is a Director of EIIDt Smith Company Limited. During the year sales of £Nil (2023.. £227) V￿re
made for educational work.
The charitable company has taken advantage of exemption. under the temis of Financial Reporting
Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,. not to
disclose related party transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries within the group.
Charges
Heritage Memorial Fund. This charge is dated 24 March 2009 and is a condition of the National Lottery
grant funding of the Museum's caprtal works programme.
Page 65