Other beaches too

The Barnard Castle, Co Durham, Bowes Museum is hosting (until 30 August 2004) 'Boudin, Monet and the Sea Painters of Normandy'. The exhibition allows the rare opportunity to compare Boudin, Courbet, and Monet closely with lesser known artists such as Elodie La Villette, who for lack of drama deliberately selects everyday aspects of a coastal life, softens her tone, and quietens her shore and cliffs, without losing the poetry of the open spaces along the coast. The town of Barnard Castle may seem incongruous too, as a venue for such scenes, and yet to experience the grand chateau of Bowes' inspiration is to be reminded that quality is infinitely transferable.