Discover the beauty and style of Barn Close, a standout Arts and Crafts home built in 1902. Designed by Norman Evill alongside Edwin Scott-Nicholson, it was created for Edwin and Maud Scott-Nicholson, passionate champions of the Arts and Crafts movement. The house became a showcase of the era’s finest makers, featuring everything from William De Morgan’s iconic tiled fireplaces to rich William Morris textiles and carpets, all chosen to celebrate artistry, craftsmanship, and character. 

This exhibition will celebrate the extraordinary collection the couple assembled: furniture, textiles, metalwork and ceramics, all commissioned to reflect their vision of a “total work of art”. Unusually, the collection has survived intact, preserved by their descendants for over a century. See photographs of the house and gardens (including a very ahead of the curve squash court) from Maud’s albums and imagine what life in an arts and crafts house might have been like.  

We are bringing this internationally significant collection to Tullie, ensuring that the aesthetics, craftsmanship and ideals that shaped Barn Close can be experienced once more.  

Pictured: Designed by William Morris – Bird – British, Merton Abbey, Surrey – The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Entry to the exhibition is included with an annual pass, day ticket or Tullie Friendship. Children and under-18s go free.

The exhibition is part of the ‘Barn Close 125: Reclaiming Carlisle’s Arts & Crafts Legacy’ project, which is generously supported by the Paul Mellon Centre and the Headley Trust.