GATES to a museum are being locked each night while it houses a valuable work of art.
As part of the security arrangements for the visit of the Raphael's Madonna of the Pinks to the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, the museum gates are being locked from 10pm to 7.30am.
The painting, pictured right, worth more than £20m, is on loan from the National Gallery in London. The vehicle and pedestrian gates are being locked to comply with security requirements.
The museum's marketing manager, Rachel Scott, said: "We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and hope that residents will take the opportunity to see the masterpiece which is a real coup for Barnard Castle and the dale."
The Madonna of the Pinks will be at the Bowes Museum until June 26.
There will be a gallery talk on the painting by assistant keeper of art Emma House, on Tuesday, at 2.30pm. No booking is required and normal museum entry fees apply.
Published: 22/04/2005
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