The Lakeland Arts Trust who own the Museum have recently opened Blackwell, a superb Arts and Crafts Movement house by M H Ballie Scott overlooking Lake Windermere. Blackwell greatly enhances the facilities of the Trust, forming an international centre for the Arts and Crafts as well as one of the most exciting exhibition venues in the country. Some of the Museum's collection as outlined below will be displayed at Blackwell.

Arthur Simpson, a Kendal furniture maker, fully endorsed the idea of simple, strong, furniture. His motto was 'that which serves best distracts least'. The tables, bureaus and chairs produce by his firm and on display at the Museum witness his commitment to Arts and Crafts ideals. Two carved signs also displayed show the name of the business he set up with his son 'The Handicrafts'.

Another Lakeland industry was the 'Spinnery', started by Annie Garnett, and run with her sister Frances. Taking inspiration from flowers and plants, Annie Garnett produced some beautiful hand embroidered textiles, as well as experimenting to produce luxurious threads. Garnett also produced several books; including 'Songs of the spinner - Legends of the Loom', and was a remarkable businesswoman.

Annie Garnett learned to spin flax from another group of textile producers in the Lakes - the Langdale Linen Industry. Again inspired by the persuasive Ruskin, this business produced some fine examples of linen cloth and Ruskin Lace - some of which are on display.

Finally the Keswick School of Industrial Art deserves a mention, as one of the longest running of the Arts and Crafts groups. Established in 1884 by Canon Rawnsley, the K.S.I.A. ran evening classes in metalwork, examples of which are now on display at the Museum.