Lawson Park is an historic hill farm that is the base for our programme of residencies and projects.
It was refurbished in 2008-2009 by Sutherland Hussey architects, and officially opened in July 2009 by Sir Nicholas Serota (Tate) and broadcaster Eric Robson.

We see the farm is an artwork in progress: socially engaged, confrontational, productive and creative, accessed though its many facets:

History - An evolution from 1338 that demonstrates the complex nature and culture of the Lake District

Land - A range of projects that propose and trial new approaches to land use, agriculture, lifestyle and ecology

Building - The story of the farm's redevelopment as a new model art institution

Gardens - The present-day gardens created by artist Karen Guthrie and a team of Grizedale Arts participants

Collection - The Lawson Park Collection furnishes the buildings and tells a subjective history of British Design

Blog - a running commentary and diary

Members of the public may visit Lawson Park only by prior arrangement. The acclaimed gardens are open under the National Garden Scheme - 2011 dates are June 19th and September 3rd (12-5pm).

To find out more about Lawson Park and to see an image gallery, click here

For Lawson Park's own website click here

Parkamoor (www.parkamoor.org) is a remote and isolated, off-grid farmhouse that is managed by Grizedale Arts as residential project space and retreat for artists and small groups. It is located 200m above the east shore of Coniston Water and 2km to the south of its 'sister' farm Lawson Park, the Grizedale Arts HQ.

This picturesque, 16th grade II listed house was recently restored as a collaboration with its owners, the National Trust, to provide a unique resource; to accommodate artists, writers and creative collectives in need of the traditional facilities of the idealised artist retreat - tranquility and seclusion.

Parkamoor has no mains services and is only accessible by foot.

The first project at Parkamoor was that of Dan Robinson and Artist House (Laura & Bryan Davies) under the name Thinking Space for the North, which included the design and installation of furnishings at the house as well as public events.

Other past visitors include artist Harold Offeh and the Urbania collective, The Princes Drawing School, Adam Chodzko, Ken Russell (http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2005/oct/01/comment.news) a weezing Weasel (http://www.theweasel.co.uk/articles/27) and a collective of London art gallerists.

Parkamoor is available for hire as an 'uncurated residency' as much as an overfashionable eco holiday let, offering the remote retreat that Lawson Park is not. The house sleeps six in three bedrooms. Water is pumped from the well, with cooking and water heating on the wood fired range. There is no bathroom and the composting toilet is to be found in the outside privy. This is eco-living 1820 style and in keeping with this low impact approach, guests must walk up to the farm, one mile, ascending 200m above sea level to reach Parkamoor. Working for the house is part of the charm and a work of art in itself. As such, is equally suitable for artists projects and management training workshops.