THERE is a new figurehead at the Lakeland Arts Trust.

Adam Naylor, who has served as chairman of the Lakeland Arts Trust since 1997, steps down this month.

Adam said he had greatly enjoyed his 14 years as chairman of the trust, which owns Kendal’s Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry, Blackwell Arts and Crafts House, at Bowness, and Windermere Steamboat Museum.

He added: “Under the directorships of Edward King, and now Gordon Watson, much has been achieved. The highlight for me has, of course, been the successful purchase, restoration and opening of Blackwell. And at Abbot Hall we have had a series of fascinating exhibitions, bringing the best of British Art to the people of south Cumbria.

“And I would like to thank all who have worked for the trust, or served it as volunteers, during my time.”

Taking over the role will be Martin Ainscough, who joined the board of trustees earlier this year.

Having graduated from Imperial London University with a degree in Agricultural Business Management, Martin worked as a brewing and leisure analyst in the city for 10 years. With this experience and his individual entrepreneurial approach, in 1995, together with other family members, he established Bispham Green Brewery Company. He now runs a select group of individual hotels, pubs and restaurants in the North West of England, including the Derby Arms, at Witherslack, and Strickland Arms, Sizergh.

Other business interests include overseeing a 1,600 acre organic mixed farming enterprise, and a self-catering holiday cottage business in Cumbria.

Martin was vice-chairman of governors at Compton Verney Art Gallery in Warwickshire, a trustee of the John Moores Painting Prize and a member of the council of Grizedale Arts.

He takes the helm at an exciting time as Blackwell looks forward to its 10th anniversary and Abbot Hall Art Gallery to its 50th.