Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House

About

Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.

Designed by noted architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, this stunning Grade I listed building is one of the UK’s finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture and with remarkable views towards the Coniston Fells, it’s a house that never fails to inspire.

Completed in 1901, the house was originally built as a holiday home and haven from bustling Manchester life, for brewer Sir Edward and Lady Holt and their five children.

From 1941, it became a school for Huyton College in Liverpool, then Blackwell School until 1976.

Step back in time

Today you can explore the house and discover the Arts & Crafts story, what Blackwell was like as a family home and hear of fond memories of many students who grew up there.

See original features, furniture and objects by leading Arts & Crafts designers and studios including metalwork by WAS Benson, ceramics by William De Morgan and furniture by Stanley Webb Davies and Baillie Scott.

Soak up the atmosphere in Blackwell’s fireplace inglenooks and inviting window seats while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding Lake District.

Blackwell retains original decorative features, including a rare hessian wall-hanging in the Dining Room, leaf-shaped door handles, curious window catches, spectacular plasterwork, stained glass. and carved wooden panelling.

Blackwell also offers an inviting Tea Room with quality, locally sourced produce, and a Contemporary Gift Shop which has an enviable reputation for presenting work for sale by the best contemporary craft makers in the industry.

 

Current exhibition

Creating a unique record of an extraordinary period, Class, Covid & Cumbria reflects on the past two years by exploring Cumbrian experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exhibition features an internationally significant tapestry by Turner Prize winning artist Grayson Perry. The Annunciation of the Virgin Deal, 2012 is part of a series of tapestries entitled The Vanity of Small Differences which explores the themes of class identity and social-mobility, and the idea that where people start in life can have a significant impact on where they end up.

On display alongside the tapestry will be images by award-winning photographer Juliet Klottrup as well as celebrated local photographer Joseph Hardman (1893-1972) who’s vast portfolio of images document Cumbrian life in the mid-20th century. The exhibition will also feature artworks created through the Lakeland Arts MEND project on public display for the first time.

Blackwell presents the largest single artist commission in more than a decade. Cumbrian artist Rosie Galloway-Smith, has created a bespoke textile display inspired by the intricate Arts & Crafts patterns found within Blackwell, which highlights person stories of the pandemic shared by the community.

 

To keep up to date with all our events, you can join our e-newsletter or visit blackwell.org.uk to find out what’s on.

Car parking is free

Book tickets at blackwell.org.uk or follow us on facebook and instagram.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook   Instagram