Group VisitsLakeland Arts

2017Welcome to a unique gallery, museum and historic house

Free entry for organiser - Discounted admission - Free introductory talksFree coach parking - Open all seasons - Special group catering

lakelandarts.org.uk

The summer months are a popular time to visit when the days are warm and long, perfect for enjoying the views from Blackwell’s terraces over Windermere to the Coniston Fells.

The autumn remains a popular time of year for visiting The Lake District. The area provides an impressive display of natural splendour, as the leaves turn from green to gold - the short drive between Abbot Hall and Blackwell sets the autumn mood.

During the shorter days of the winter months the air can be crisp and cold. At this time the mountains often look their best with a dusting of snow set against a deep blue winter sky. The air is clear and the views of the lakes spectacular - and a hot bowl of soup in our Tea Room is very welcoming.

So whether you are looking for an annual outing for your club or society, an excursion for your coach holiday itinerary, or just a leisurely day out for a small group of friends, booking a group visit to any or all of our venues is the perfect option and couldn’t be easier.

Lake District Art & Heritage Group Visits

Lakeland Arts welcomes groups all year round to Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House, Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry. We enjoy seeing the return of regular groups and introducing new groups to the beautiful properties and collections in our care.

Your group visit can be structured or informal, whichever suits you best. Some groups simply choose to come and look around at their own pace, alternatively you have the option of booking a talk, lunch or cream tea, to add more structure to your day. We will help you find the perfect balance for your group.

The Lake District is a year round destination where each season offers something special, but you can rest assured that whatever time of year you visit us your day will not be spoilt by the weather!

The spring months see the Cumbrian towns and villages come alive, Kendal is a lively town full of historic interest and a visit to the Gallery or Museum can be combined with a couple of hours free parking to allow time to explore the town.

Benefits

We offer competitive rates to groups of 12 or more, with additional benefits and incentives for drivers and group organisers.

Benefits for Groups

• Visiting all three venues in one day may be too much, that’s why we allow groups to spread their visits over a 7 day period. All three visits must be made by the same group.

• Free coach parking during your visit and a further two hours free coach parking at Abbot Hall, to see the historic town of Kendal.

• Coach welcomed by a member of staff.

• Pre-booked catering options with reserved seating.

• Early visits starting at Blackwell before we open to the general public.

• A free talk for weekday groups visiting Blackwell and Abbot Hall. Weekend talks at Blackwell are subject to availability.

2017 Admission Prices Standard Group

Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House £8.00 £6.00

Abbot Hall Art Gallery £7.00 £5.00

Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry £5.50 £4.00

Abbot Hall & Museum £9.00 £7.00

All three venues N/A £10.00

Benefits for Group Organisers

• Free familiarisation visits to see how timings would work and look at what would be of interest to your group. Visits can be made at any time during our normal opening hours. Just call or email and we can make arrangements.

• Free admission for the organiser when bringing a group of 12 or more paying visitors.

• An additional Free place when bringing 40 or more paying visitors.

• Free catering for the organiser when catering is booked from the group menu for 12 or more paying visitors.

Benefits for the Coach Driver

• Free admission

• Free refreshment voucher

• Reserved coach parking

Save over

40%

Exhibitions & Displays

Women of the Arts & Crafts Movement15 September 2017 - 1 January 2018This exhibition recognises works by women artists whose contributions have often been overlooked, or wrongly attributed in favour of a more prominent male family member.

The Arts and Crafts Story Permanent DisplayThe Arts & Crafts Story is told through examples of the finest objects from the period, including designs by the father of the movement William Morris, his contemporary Charles Annesley Voysey and objects designed by Blackwell’s architect, MH Baillie Scott.

The School Years Permanent DisplayHuyton College evacuated its junior girls to Blackwell in 1941 to escape the bombing of Liverpool during the Second World War. Huyton College re-opened after the war, but continued to use Blackwell as a preparatory school until 1962. When they left, Blackwell School was formed and lessons continued until 1976. Many pupils have shared their fascinating stories and photographs to create this permanent display about school life at Blackwell.

The Master Arts & Crafts Bedroom Permanent DisplayThis display, inspired from Baillie Scott’s designs and interpreted by contemporary designers, is established in the room that was originally the master bedroom when the Holts enjoyed Blackwell as their holiday home. We have worked with a textile historian and Arts & Crafts specialists to imagine what a master bedroom may have looked like if Baillie Scott had been commissioned to create such a space at Blackwell. We have on loan a copy of this important record of the furniture designed by Baillie Scott and made by J.P. White at the Pyghtle Works which will be on display.

Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts HouseBowness-on-Windermere

When the architect MH Baillie Scott built a holiday home overlooking Windermere for his client Sir Edward Holt he created Blackwell, a masterpiece of twentieth-century design; a perfect example of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

Enjoy a lovingly crafted day out at one of the most enchanting historic houses in the Lake District. When you visit you are invited to relax and immerse yourself in all the beauty and craftsmanship of Blackwell.

We encourage you to sit and soak up the atmosphere in Blackwell’s fireplace inglenooks, which have fine examples of tiles by Arts & Crafts designer William de Morgan. The inviting window seats offer stunning views of the surrounding Lake District scenery. You can appreciate the house as it was originally intended, without roped-off areas.

Blackwell retains many of its 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 by Simpsons of Kendal.

The rooms contain furniture and objects by many of the leading Arts & Crafts designers and studios - metalwork by WAS Benson, ceramics by Pilkingtons and Ruskin Pottery and furniture by Morris & Co., Stanley Webb Davies, Ernest Gimson and Baillie Scott himself.

The original gardens were laid out by Arts & Crafts garden designer, Thomas Mawson, in a series of terraces to achieve the very best views from the house over the lake towards the Coniston fells. Today, Blackwell is bordered by beautiful flower beds set against a terrace of York stone paving, surrounded by fragrant flowers and herbs. On the lower terrace there is a long sweep of lawn where visitors can stroll and take in the intoxicating beauty of the Lake District whatever the season.

Even those who have visited before can fall in love with Blackwell again with its three new displays. After months of research and specialist input, we have designed these new displays to tell the stories of the people who lived, worked and went to school at Blackwell.

Abbot Hall Art GalleryKendal

Abbot Hall, Kendal’s finest historic house, has a national reputation for displaying great art. Exhibitions and displays in 2017 include works by Turner prize nominee George Shaw, Cumbrian artist Julian Cooper and the best of 60s British Pop Art, including paintings by David Hockney and Peter Blake.

On display in the Georgian rooms downstairs is a selection of works by George Romney, one of the greatest of all eighteenth-century portrait painters. There is no better setting than the red silk-lined walls of Abbot Hall’s Saloon in which to view some of the paintings that helped establish Romney’s name. The centrepiece is what many perceive to be his masterpiece: the impressive The Gower Family: The Children of Granville, 2nd Earl Gower 1776-7.

Exhibitions

Painting Pop14 July – 7 October 2017The summer exhibition is a celebration of British Pop painting. Continuing where our summer 2015 exhibition Taking Flight: St Ives in the 1950s left off, this exhibition focuses on the period around 1962, a pivotal year for Pop Art in Britain, when a number of important solo and group shows took place in London. This show will feature key works from national collections and include work by Peter Blake, Richard Hamilton, David Hockney and Allen Jones.

A Rake’s Progress by David Hockney14 July – 31 December 2017Presenting the entire series of etchings by David Hockney, made in response to his first trip to New York in 1961.

LAND | SEA | LIFE14 July – 31 December 2017The Ingram Collection is recognised as one of the UK’s most significant collections of Modern British Art. This exhibition explores recurring subjects in the work of British artists of the twentieth century including still life, the human figure, landscape and abstraction.

See over 70 works by over 40 leading artists including Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Graham Sutherland, Laura Knight, John Piper and Henri Gaudier-Brzeska.

Top: Pauline Boty, Colour Her Gone, oil on canvas, 1962. Courtesy of Wolverhampton Arts and Museums © the artist’s estate.Bottom; Edward Burra, Near Whitby, Yorkshire, 1972, pencil and watercolour © Estate of the artist c/o Lefevre Fine Art Ltd, London. Image courtesy of The Ingram Collection of Modern British Art © JP Bland 2009.

Full Day Itineraries

Save over 40% on our standard admission charge if you visit all three venues

If you are looking for a complete cultural day, at a relaxing pace, which takes in the highlights of Cumbria’s cultural offering, we suggest seeing both Blackwell and Abbot Hall with time free to see the historic town of Kendal with free coach parking throughout.

ShoppingOur shops reflect the collections and character of each of our venues. Your purchase supports craft makers and the Lakeland Arts programme and activities.

In Abbot Hall Gallery Shop you can treat yourself to a veryspecial artist’s product or limited edition print, or choose from a selection of your favourite postcards or greetings cards. There are also gifts, jewellery, stationery, children’s books and a great selection of books about British art, history and culture and exhibition catalogues.

The Museum Gift Shop has a wide selection of crafts and bookson local interest, including a collection of books and CDs of stories by Arthur Ransome. There is a large range of postcards, prints and stationery and a selection of traditional toys for children. Skilfully crafted gifts by local craftmakers include pottery byHans Ullrich, Karen Griffiths’ unique rag rugs and handbagsand Phil Bradley’s beautiful baskets.

Over at Blackwell’s Contemporary Craft Shop, we work with a wide array of creative talent - from established craftmakers to young designers at the start of their career. The shop stocks pottery by William Plumptre and Chris Keenan, glass by Gillies Jones, jewellery, scarfs, leather bags and woodwork, allbeautifully and individually made. Visitors return again and again for our excellent range of books about British and international Arts & crafts.

Museum of Lakeland Life & IndustryKendal

See recreated period rooms and the workshops of lost trades reveal how rural people lived, worked and played. Take a walk down our vintage street scene gazing into colourful shop windows and pay a visit to our chemist and toy shop. Explore an eighteenth century farmhouse kitchen, a townhouse parlour and a bedroom full of vernacular furniture and furnishings. Visit our industry galleries to learn about farming and other local trades.

Permanent displays tell the stories of the people who have left their mark on the area. One of whom was Arthur Ransome, best known for writing the exciting Swallows & Amazons series of books. You can learn about his varied and interesting life as a fisherman, sailor, journalist and perhaps even a spy in our Ransome Room.

In the Arts and Crafts gallery, learn how the movement flourished in the Lake District with hand crafted furniture by Arthur Simpson and Stanley Webb Davies, exquisite textiles from Annie Garnett’s famous workshop, The Spinnery, and metalwork from the Keswick School of Industrial Arts.

Temporary Displays

Fun on the Fells11 March – 28 October 2017This exhibition looks at the history of walking and climbing in the UK and on the Lake District fells. It will explore the early climbing pioneers, the politics of the right to roam, to the modern walkers and climbers who flock to the area today.

Folk Art 11 November 2017 – 14 March 2018Featuring an eclectic group of objects this show will consider why people make everyday objects into art and demonstrate the skills and traditions that went into their creation.

Group Catering

We offer a variety of locally produced and freshly prepared special set lunches, morning break and cream tea for pre-booked groups in our licensed Tea Room at Blackwell. To avoid delays and to ensure that your party enjoys a relaxed break, we ask you to pre-book all meals and refreshments. Should you wish not to pre-book but to use the Tea Room please be advised that we cannot give priority over other visitors and you may be disappointed or your schedule delayed.

Please note that we are unable to accommodate picnickers at Blackwell, there is, however, a public park adjacent to Abbot Hall where your group could enjoy their packed lunch.

We can cater for up to 25 people in Blackwell’s Tea Room or function room and we therefore require larger groups to divide into two or more sittings. Please be aware that only one menu option can be served during each sitting.

Let us know if you have any individual requirements and if any of your group has specific dietary requirements.

Blackwell Tea Room Group Menu

Menu A £8.00Roast Tomato Soup with BasilSelection of sandwiches made on both wholemeal and white bread: Chicken with tarragon mayonnaise Ham with Dijon mustard Lancashire cheese with Victorian chutney Avocado, apple and walnut Teas and coffees.

Menu B - Spring & Summer £8.00(Available April - September)Mediterranean vegetable quiche served with potato salad and green lettuce. Served with Blackwell’s homemade lemonade, with teas and coffees to finish.

Menu C - Autumn & Winter £8.00(Available October - March)Rich homemade stew served with Blackwell’s freshly baked foccacia bread. Served with Blackwell’s homemade lemonade, with teas and coffees to finish.

Morning/Afternoon Break £3.55(10am - 12noon & 2.30pm - close)A cup of tea or coffee served with a selection of Blackwell chocolate brownies and Blackwell tea bread.

Blackwell Afternoon Cream Tea £3.55 (2.30pm - close)A cup of tea or coffee served with a freshly baked scone, strawberry jam and cream.

Groups of 12 - 16 may pre-order from our full Tea Room menu and receive a 10% discount. Pre-order must be made 3 days in advance. See the website for the current menu.

How to Book To ensure that you have an enjoyable and special visit, each venue only accommodates one group at a time. It is advisable that you contact us well in advance to check whether your preferred date(s) are available. We will then provisionally book the date until you send in your booking form. We are very flexible and don’t need final numbers until one week before the visit.

After provisionally booking your date, fill in and return the booking form along with your deposit, to the Group Booking Co-ordinator at either Abbot Hall or Blackwell.

Payment & DepositTo secure your date, a deposit covering the admission cost of 12 people is required. On arrival, the group organiser is to pay the remaining balance. The deposit is non-refundable, but will be held should you wish to book another date during the same calendar year.

For tour companies, it is possible to pay by invoice, please ask at the time of booking.

Art Fund Members AdmissionArt Fund members receive free entry to Abbot Hall’s permanent collection only. Members also receive 50% discounted admission to Abbot Hall’s temporary exhibitions, Blackwell and the Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry.

Length of VisitWe recommend you allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the Museum, 1 hour for Abbot Hall and from 2 - 4 hours for Blackwell. If you are having a talk, these times increase by 15 minutes.

Weekend & Bank Holiday VisitsYour weekend or Bank Holiday visit will follow the same format as weekday visits except we cannot offer talks at Abbot Hall during these times. The Museum is always a self-guided tour and literature is supplied. Weekend talks at Blackwell are subject to availability, please enquire at the time of booking.

During the holiday seasons we can get very busy and therefore suggest you book your visit either at 10.30am - 12pm and pre-book a morning break, or 2pm - 4pm with cream tea.

Arriving by CoachThere is free coach parking available at Blackwell and Abbot Hall, which will be reserved for you on receipt of your booking form and deposit. Blackwell can accommodate standard sized coaches and Abbot Hall can accommodate all coaches.

We advise that on arrival you allow 10 minutes for your group to use the facilities and stretch their legs. We ask that large bags and coats are left on the coach. A member of staff will be on hand to meet the coach, orientate the group, hand out admission badges and answer any questions.

If you wish to see the historic town of Kendal, the coach may stay at Abbot Hall for a further two hours, free of charge, depending on availability.

Arriving by CarFor groups coming in their own cars we would appreciate if you can car share where possible. Please be advised that cars need to display a valid parking ticket whilst on the Abbot Hall site.

A member of staff will be on hand to meet and orientate the group, hand out admission badges and answer any questions.

AccessAt Blackwell there is a lift to the first floor, but due to the nature of the building, some rooms are not accessible by wheelchairs - visual guides are available. The Museum only has partial wheelchair access on the ground floor. Due to flood damage our lift at Abbot Hall is currently out of order and access to all galleries is via stairs. Service dogs are welcome at all our venues.

We have a wheelchair available for use on-site, at Blackwell and Abbot Hall. Please specify on the booking form if you wish to reserve the wheelchair.

Foreign Language GuidesBlackwell House Plans are available in German, French and Japanese. Please indicate on the booking form if you require a specific language.

Promote your VisitTo help you promote your visit we will be happy to send you leaflets or full colour A4 posters. We can also supply high resolution images for use with your own promotional material.

Lake District National Park

Lancaster

Bowness-on-Windermere

Blackwell

M6 Motorway

Abbot Hall& Museum

Ambleside

Keswick

Penrith

Coniston

Grasmere

Cockermouth

Kendal

BlackwellThe Arts & Crafts HouseBowness-on-WindermereCumbriaLA23 3JT

T 015394 46139F 015394 88486info@blackwell.org.ukblackwell.org.uk

Open Daily10.30am - 5.00pm4pm November - March

Abbot Hall Art Gallery & Museum of Lakeland Life & IndustryKendalCumbria LA9 5AL

T 01539 722464F 01539 722494info@abbothall.org.ukabbothall.org.uk

Open Monday - Saturday 10.30am to 5.00pm4pm November - March

Sundays in July and August12-4pm

Published by Lakeland Arts (registered charity no. 1153001) © 2016