Cumberland Pencil Museum Keswick

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Address: Cumberland Pencil Museum Southey Works Keswick Cumbria Postcode: CA12 5NG Telephone: 017687 73626 Website: http://www.pencilmuseum.co.uk Google map Click here Multimap.co.uk satellite map Click here

Description At the Cumberland Pencil Museum you can journey through the history of pencils and pencil making, enjoy being creative in our Drawing Zone and relax over a cappuccino in our Sketchers Coffee Shop. Let the kid's imaginations and pencils run riot! In the drawing zone they can have a go with our pencils, learn new tricks with watercolour pencils, and use the step-by-step drawing activity sheets, to help expand their art skills. History Legend has it that in the early 1500s, a violent storm in the Borrowdale area of Cumberland led to trees being uprooted and the discovery of a strange black material underneath. This material turned out to be graphite, and shepherds began using it to mark their sheep. A cottage industry of pencil making soon developed, culminating in the formation of the UK's first pencil factory in 1832. The factory has had various owners in its 175 year history, but became the Cumberland Pencil Company in 1916. The Lakeland children's range was launched in 1930, followed by the Derwent brand of fine art pencils in 1938. Since then, a huge variety of artists' materials has been developed, from traditional to highly innovative. The product range may have expanded beyond recognition but our commitment to excellence remains the same. There are colouring and drawing competitions held each month, where the winners have the chance to have their drawing viewed in the on-line gallery for visitors all over the world to see, and you might even be able to see one of our themed activity rooms where you may see a stricken pirate ship, and her crew of jolly pirates, or the magic of a big top circus with lions and tigers, and a group of flying trapeze artists. Let your imagination run free and enjoy the world of Derwent pencils. Longest coloured pencil in the World Completed on 28th May 2001 the pencil is a giant replica of one of our studio range of pencils. It measures 7.91 metres long and weighs 446.36 kg. The deep cadmium coloured core runs the whole length of the pencil so if you were strong enough you could pick it up and use it! Drawing Zone In the drawing zone everyone can have a go with our pencils, learn new tricks and use the step by step drawing activity sheets to help expand their art skills. Packaging of yesteryear we have brought together a wide range of pencil memorabilia- the majority from our own collection but we have also had articles kindly donated by past or retired employees and other pencil buffs from across the world. The collection is brought right up to date with displays of our magnificent heritage wooden box collections. Sketchers Coffee Shop We have a coffee shop which serves a wide range of refreshments, soup, sandwiches, Paninis, and cakes.. On warmer or dry days you can enjoy your coffee in our outside seating area overlooking the River Greta. Museum Shop The museum shop is our flagship store offering the most comprehensive range of Derwent & Lakeland products anywhere in the UK. In addition we stock a wide range of accessories plus an extensive range of books on the art of drawing whether you are a beginner or an accomplished professional. We always have great special offers and end of lines available, so you can be sure of a bargain whenever you visit! Opening Times The museum is open all year round  from 9.30am to 5pm daily. Last admission 4pm. During the busy summer periods we do extend our opening hours. Please telephone us or check this web site for details The museum is closed on 25th & 26th December and 1st of January. General Admission    Adult    £3.75 Child (under 16)    £2.50 Senior Citizen    £2.50 Students        £3.00 Family (2 adults & 3 children under 16) £10.00 Group Visits There are special discounted rates available for groups of 10 or more. We offer FREE parking for Coaches which are welcome by prior appointment. Please telephone us on 017687 73626 or click here to book a visit. Group size & length of visit The recommended maximum size for one group is 25. However, we can accommodate larger numbers but these would have to be split up into smaller groups. We recommend you allow at least an hour and half for a visit to the museum. Discounted Group Rates (10 or more) Adult     £2.50 Senior citizen / Child (under 16)     £1.50 Coach driver / Tour leader     FREE Directions By car From M6 Junction 40. Follow signs for A66 Keswick. Ignore first sign for Keswick after approximately 16 miles. Continue on the A66 to the next roundabout and take first exit. Continue to T junction turn left towards Keswick Town Centre. You will now see the factory on your left. Take first left and follow the signs to the museum. By train Our nearest train station is Penrith approximately 17 miles away. It is on the West Coast Main Line and is regularly served by trains from the north and south. A bus service taking approximately 40 minutes connects Penrith Station with Keswick Bus Station. Keswick Taxis will meet trains by prior arrangement. For train times call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or visit their web site. By bus The main bus station is located approximately 5 minutes walk away. There are regular bus services to and from Keswick from the surrounding area. Accommodation Bed And Breakfast Bassenthwaite Area Bed and Breakfast In Keswick