Museum focuses on future by courting virtual visitors

Oct 4 2007 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THE latest technology has helped more people than ever to enjoy the North-East’s biggest collection of fine and decorative art.

Visitors and researchers can now use a new, interactive website to browse the treasures of The Bowes Museum from the comfort of their armchairs.

Newcastle web design and development company SBsquared has set up a website which gives a virtual tour of the building and its collection of paintings, ceramics, glass, toys, furniture, fashion and fabrics.

It also allows people to see forthcoming exhibitions and use the online shop to order books, DVDs, jewellery and other gifts as well as register as Friends of The Bowes Museum online.

SBsquared managing director Kathryn Watson said: “The functionality and navigation capabilities of The Bowes Museum’s previous website didn’t really reflect its branding or its fascinating and extensive collection and we were delighted to be invited to use our expertise to help bring this much loved museum and its events even closer to the public.

“While viewing artefacts on a website can’t replace standing a few feet in front of the real thing, it can be a useful way of providing a flavour of what visitors can expect to see and do, and allowing them to plan their visit to maximum effect.

“We also built in a back office database function where staff can manage the entire collection, cataloguing, adding or locating any element, which gives them complete control and instant access to information.”

Bowes marketing assistant Rachael Metcalfe said: “We are very pleased with the new site. The search facility has proved particularly popular, allowing virtual visitors to view detailed information alongside each exhibit and search by name, collection, artist or date – not just for pieces on current display but for those held in the archives too.”