The Auckland Project has introduced a new multi-attraction tour which shines a spotlight on the women behind its astonishing collections.

Inspired by the ‘Missing Women’ exhibition currently on display at Auckland Castle until 28 May, this new tour explores The Auckland Project’s attractions from a different perspective.

The guided tour begins with a visit to Auckland Castle, where visitors will explore the Missing Women and With Dinah exhibitions, before discovering the stories of the women of the Spanish Gallery and Mining Art Gallery.

You will hear about female artists, the wives and daughters, the stories, triumphs and barriers experienced by women from the Golden Age of Spain and the Mining Artists of County Durham.

This tour has been designed to complement the ‘Missing Women’ and ‘With Dinah’ exhibitions currently on display in Auckland Castle and Bishop Auckland Town Hall until 28 May.

Thirteen biblical portraits by Francisco de Zurbarán hang in Auckland Castle, depicting Jacob and his twelve sons. The women in their lives go unrecorded. Inspired by these ‘Missing Women’, five groups of young people from the Bishop Auckland area and five professional artists have created collaborative exhibitions of work – ‘Missing Women’ and ‘With Dinah’ – to give these women a voice and create a platform for the young people’s self-expression.

Missing Women and With Dinah is delivered in partnership with The Auckland Project, Creative Youth Opportunities and Bishop Auckland Town Hall and made possible with funding from Arts Council England, County Durham Community Foundation, Art Fund and Durham County Council.

The Missing Women tours cost £20 per person (free with an Annual Pass or Friends membership) and booking in advance is recommended.

The tours will last approximately 2 hours and will run on Thursday 4 May at 1pm, Wednesday 10 May at 11am, Friday 19 May at 1pm, and Saturday 27 May at 1pm.

To book tickets or to find out more about The Auckland Project, please visit www.aucklandproject.org

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