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.

New for 2021

To mark the Japan-UK Season of Culture, Blackwell introduces House of the Setting Sun; an exciting programme that examines the interchange of influence between Japanese design and the British Arts & Crafts Movement.

House of the Setting Sun leads with a new exhibition of rarely or previously unseen objects including an exquisite hand-embroidered 19th-century Kimono, a collection of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints and a fascinating display of 19th- and 20th-century Japanese and British ceramics, including works from the father of British Studio pottery, Bernard Leach.

Open until 10 October, discover popular themes inspired by Japanese culture throughout the house and gardens. Children will be fascinated by an adventure trail that reveals Blackwell’s resident yōkai monsters, a family of mythical and mischievous creatures with peculiar traits and intriguing stories to tell.

House of the Setting Sun inspires a new seasonal menu in the Tea Room. With a new chef on board, visitors will be delighted to find new mouth-watering dishes using local and seasonal ingredients and imaginative specials from Japanese cuisine.

Events

There’s an exciting season of events coming up to celebrate Blackwell’s 120th year with visitors able to enjoy culture surrounded by the house’s unique landscape and its exceptional architecture.

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.