THE LAKELAND ARTS TRUST
The Trust has significant permanent collections including fine art, decorative art, furniture, social & industrial history, steamboats & historic vessels and archival material. The collections are on loan to Lakeland Arts (charity no. 8162578) which operates Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Blackwell Arts & Crafts House and the Museum of Lakeland Life and WIndermere Jetty Museum.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves increased to £109,296, a rise primarily driven by an £83,000 actuarial gain on the defined benefit pension scheme rather than operational surplus. The charity reports no material liquidity or credit risks, noting that operations are conducted by the related trading entity Lakeland Arts. Reserves are described as providing a buffer against investment volatility, with no formal target set due to limited ongoing activities.
What the accounts disclose
“Lakeland Arts (the parent company) has borrowed £175,478 fromthe endowment fund investments and will repay this over 20 years paying interest at 7.4%.” — page 22
“At the balance sheet date the amount due to Lakeland Arts was £37,339”
“Lakeland Arts (the parent company) has borrowed £175,478 fromthe endowment fund investments and will repay this over 20 years paying interest at 7.4%.” — page 22
“At the balance sheet date the amount due to Lakeland Arts was £37,339”
“operates Abbot Hall, the Lakeland Museum, the Windermere Jetty Museum, and the Blackwell Arts & Crafts House in conjunction with its trading subsidiary Lakeland Arts Enterprises Limited.” — page 7
Trustees
- LAKELAND ARTS
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £55k | £38k |
| 31/03/2024 | £29k | £83k |
| 31/03/2023 | £29k | £60k |
| 31/03/2022 | £25k | £29k |
| 31/03/2021 | £30k | £78k |
Common questions
Is THE LAKELAND ARTS TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves increased to £109,296, a rise primarily driven by an £83,000 actuarial gain on the defined benefit pension scheme rather than operational surplus. The charity reports no material liquidity or credit risks, noting that operations are conducted by the related trading entity Lakeland Arts. Reserves are described as providing a buffer against investment volatility, with no formal target set due to limited ongoing activities. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Rock Foundation | 06/10/2009 | £90k | Grant awarded to Lakeland Arts Trust (Cumbria) |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 15/10/1999 | £32k | "Tate Partnership Scheme - Abbot Hall" |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 05/03/1998 | £2.3m | "Blackwell, Windemere - Acquisition & Refurbishment" |
| South Lakeland District Council | — | £60k | Strategic Cultural Partnerships |
| South Lakeland District Council | — | £60k | Strategic Cultural Partnerships |
| South Lakeland District Council | — | £60k | Strategic Cultural Partnerships |