Blackwell to reopen with new exciting new programme House of the Setting Sun
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house reopens on Tuesday 18 May, with a celebration of over 150 years of cultural exchange between Britain and Japan.
To mark the Japan-UK Season of Culture, Blackwell, one of the UK’s finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture, introduces House of the Setting Sun; an exciting programme that examines the interchange of influence between Japanese design and the British Arts & Crafts Movement.
Blackwell is also pleased to announce the permanent acquisition of an original piece of furniture designed by its architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott. Made in 1901, the same year that Blackwell was built, it is one of the finest examples of Baillie Scott’s work and is one of the most important pieces on display because it features in his catalogue, “The Pyghtle Works”. It was secured with the generous support of a private donor, The National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund UK.
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.
Rhian Harris, Lakeland Arts Chief Executive said:
“We are absolutely delighted to finally reopen and welcome visitors back to Blackwell.
“As restrictions ease, we are confident visitors will want to support local cultural attractions who have been so badly affected by the pandemic and we return with an exciting new season that celebrates our cultural connections to Japan.
“The acquisition of an original Baillie Scott piece of furniture and the display of objects from Lakeland Arts’ collection ensures we continue to bring excellent heritage of national and international significance to Cumbria.”
Open until 10 October, visitors will discover popular themes inspired by Japanese culture throughout the house and gardens. Children will be inspired and 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.
Naomi Gariff, Programme Curator said:
“This year marks two special anniversaries for Blackwell, 120 years since the house was built and 20 years since Lakeland Arts first opened it to the public. We are excited to be able to celebrate these really important birthdays by reopening with House of the Setting Sun.
“The programme is a celebration of over 150 years of cultural exchange between Britain and Japan and features Lakeland Arts’ wonderful Japanese collection, many pieces of which have never been displayed before.
“From a stunningly embroidered 19th-century Kimono to an intriguing trail of mischievous yōkai, the programme showcases Japanese art and culture in a fun and engaging way, set within the interiors of this exceptional Arts & Crafts home.”
House of the Setting Sun also inspires a new seasonal menu in the Blackwell 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.
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.
Lake District Summer Music will head to Blackwell on Friday 6 August and Windermere Jetty Museum on Saturday 1 August. Bring your picnic blanket and camping chair for an outdoor theatre production of Romeo and Juliet on Thursday 1 July and The Importance of Being Earnest on Saturday 14 August, and Blackwell’s popular Arts & Crafts Fair returns with more bespoke and handcrafted treasures on the 13 and 14 November. Visit blackwell.org.uk for more information events throughout the season.
Tickets to Blackwell are now available to pre-book online. The house and Tea Room are open daily from Tuesday 18 May, 10am-5pm. Please check our website before visiting for up-to-date opening times.
Join in the conversation @blackwellartsandcrafts using the hashtag #SettingSun on Facebook and Instagram.
