THE work of Boudin, Monet and the sea painters of Normandy will be on show in an exhibition at the Bowes Museum which opens at the end of May.

The show explores the close relationship between Boudin and Monet and their interaction with other French painters working in Normandy during the second half of the nineteenth century.

It also includes works by Courbet, Millet, Turner and Corot, along with loans from Britain, France and America.

Eugene Boudin, recognised as an important precursor of Impressionism, discovered the young Claude Monet working as a caricaturist in 1858. The friendship that developed led to their working partnership on the Normandy coast during the 1860s. This period was to prove fundamental to Monet's artistic development in becoming one of the most significant figures in Western art.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a display of nineteenth century summer fashion. Two dresses bought from the Castle Howard sale last year have been conserved in order to feature.

In the Footsteps of El Greco follows from June 12, for which regional artist Antony Clark has created new work.

It has been inspired by Clark's recent visits to Spain, Italy and Greece, and by several artists in the museum's collection, including El Greco and Goya.

Also in June begins the Lady Ludlow Collection, a permanent addition to the museum of an outstanding collection of eighteenth century English porcelain.

The collection was formed between the two world wars by Lady Ludlow, a smart society hostess who was acquainted with Queen Mary, and reflects the taste of the time.

Anyone wishing further information can contact the museum on 01833 690606 or visit the web site at www.bowesmuseum.org.uk.