Blackwell is regarded as one of the most beautiful houses in England, with breath-taking views across Windermere to the Coniston Fells. Capturing the experience of being here in a photograph, however, requires a rare talent and can all too often prove elusive.

We are looking to find the best photographs capturing the spirit of Blackwell in its spectacular and ever-changing Lakeland setting. Each month one photograph will be selected to show the changing beauty season by season. The photograph of the month, plus a selection of runners up, will be posted on our website, and an overall winner for the year will be announced at the opening of Blackwell next year. There will be a Champagne Gift sent to the winner each month and a special prize for the overall winner, who will also have their photograph reproduced in one of Blackwell's publications.

Photographs may be in colour or black-and-white and will be judged on the success of capturing Blackwell in its environment. Due to copyright restrictions relating to loans, photographs may only be taken from the gardens and terraces, or across Windermere from the lake itself or lakeshore to capture the dramatic impact of the house during all the seasons. Photographs taken from the lakeshore or a helicopter(!) may be entered as long as they are supported by a competition entry number or a current Friend of the Lakeland Arts Trust member number.

The competition is open to visitors purchasing an admission badge and ‘Friends, Patrons or Benefactors of The Lakeland Arts Trust’.

The competition runs until 31 Dec 2008. Monthly entries are to be received by the last day of the month.

The photograph will be entered in the month it was taken.

Please read the full terms and conditions before entering, click here.

How to enter

Online
Send your pictures via our online form
(Please note images must be no larger than 5MB)
Click here for the Online Entry Form.

By Post
Send your pictures on a CD, making sure it is clearly marked 'viewfinder 08'

If you are sending your entry by post, you must include a completed entry form which is available online click here (pdf reader required) or from reception at Blackwell.

Please ensure entry forms are fully completed and include the competition entry number or your Friend's, Patron's or Benefactor's number.

Sunset from Blackwell

A snowy day at Blackwell

Blackwell from a helicopter

Blackwell from across the lake