Frances Priest: Motif | Line | Colour
7 November 2025 – 11 April 2026
Explore the ceramic work of celebrated Edinburgh-based artist Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour, an exhibition tracing 25 years of her artistic work.
This exhibition follows Priest’s evolution from her early monochrome pieces to her more recent, intricate, and colourful designs. It showcases work from her latest collection, Unfixing, rarely seen pieces from her personal archive, and newly created works inspired by the architecture of Blackwell, designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott.
Priest’s ceramics are known for their bold patterns, vibrant colours, and deep attention to decorative detail. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of cultures and historical periods, her work explores the power of ornament to tell stories, evoke a sense of place, and celebrate the joy of being human.
A key influence on Priest’s practice is The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones, a 19th-century encyclopaedia of global design that played a major role in shaping the Arts & Crafts Movement.
Since graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in 1999, Frances Priest has built an internationally respected career. Her work is held in collections around the world and in major UK institutions including The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum, and The National Museum of Scotland.
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
