Useful/Beautiful
1 May – 29 August 2026
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, celebrating the makers, ideas and objects that have shaped its collection since opening its doors to the public in 2001.
Set throughout the house, the exhibition brings together much-loved works from Blackwell’s nationally significant collection, alongside more recent additions. Visitors can rediscover standout pieces by artists including Magdalene Odundo, Kate Malone, Edmund de Waal and Philip Eglin, and explore how craft can tell stories about materials, making and everyday life.
A dedicated exhibition space highlights its most recent acquisitions, supported by the Art Fund’s Sir Nicholas Goodison Award, and invites you to explore conversations around the future of collecting: What should we collect and why? What is the future of craft? And in the spirit of the Arts & Crafts Movement, should objects we acquire be useful as well as beautiful?
Whether you’re a longtime lover of craft or completely new to it, Useful/Beautiful offers a chance to slow down, look closely and appreciate the skill, ideas, and principles behind contemporary making.
Exhibition included with house admission.
Further information
- Opening times: April – October 10.00 am – 5.00 pm daily; November – March 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
- Annual Pass – Adults: £12.00; Students: £9.00; Children: £6.00 (5-15 – under 4 Free
- Location Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3J
- Getting there by car From the south: Exit the M6 at junction 36 and follow signs for the South Lakes and Windermere. At the roundabout take the first left following signs for Crook and Bowness-on-Windermere on the B5284. After 6 miles arrive at a T-junction, turn left on to the A5074 (Lyth Valley Road). Turn right where the road forks onto the B5360. Follow the drive to Blackwell’s car park. From the north: Exit the M6 at junction 40 and follow signs for Keswick (A66) and Windermere (A591) via Grasmere and Ambleside. Once in Windermere follow signs for Bowness-on-Windermere. Once in Bowness-on-Windermere follow the road to Blackwell which is situated just off the A5074 (Lyth Valley Road) and turn right where the road forks onto the B5360. Follow the drive to Blackwell’s car park. By train: Oxenholme is the nearest main-line railway station, a connecting train will bring you into Windermere (three miles from Blackwell). Buses run to Bowness-on-Windermere, 1½ miles north of Blackwell. Alternatively taxis are available from Windermere Station to Blackwell
- For more information please call 015394 46139
