Dealers and collecting

JB/5

John started buying paintings as early as 1830. After his marriage to Josephine in 1852, the range of purchases expanded to include ceramics, metalwork, textiles and furniture, with Josephine an increasing active buyer. In many cases John and Josephine used the same dealers for buying objects for their collections and for their domestic use, and many items bought for their houses are now also in the Museum's collections. John and Josephine appear to have used a small number of dealers on a regular basis. The dealers attended sales and bought on behalf of the Boweses or they offered to John and Josephine items they had in stock. While travelling in Europe, the Boweses purchased from several dealers, some of whom maintained contact after the visit was ended. John's second wife, Alphonsine, bought items only for domestic use.

sub-fonds