RUSKIN MUSEUM - CONISTON

The Ruskin Museum is situated in Coniston on Yewdale Road and is part of what's known locally as the Institute, though it should have been called the Coniston Mechanics Institute and Literary Society and was founded in 1852. It was formed due to the sudden wealth of educational and cultural institutes which was spreading across the country.

John Ruskin became a pillar and patron of the Institute when he moved into Brantwood in 1872 and helped its expansion. On his death in 1900 they had lost their most important patron and the Severns whom took over Brantwood were against opening Brantwood to the public against the wishes of Ruskin. It looked like it would lose its connection with the Ruskin's. W. G. Collingwood who was Ruskin's secretary, worked to set up the Ruskin Museum at the back of the Institute for a place for the mementoes they could get hold of and in 1901 the new building was opened by Canon H.Rawnsley and Co.founder of The National Trust was admire of John Ruskin and his work. It was to be more than 50 years before Brantwood would be opened to the public in accordance to Ruskin's will.

You will find a selection of watercolours, drawings, sketchbooks, manuscripts and personal items in the museum and a collection of Ruskin linen and lace from the cottage industry in the Langdales produced by the local ladies.

Within the museum you will discover Coniston's history which goes back to the stone age with Langdale axes and various other items on display to the Bronze age, Donald Campbell and Bluebird with interests also shown to the copper mines, slate quarries and discover Arthur Ransome "Swallows & Amazons" country.

It is advisable to contact Ruskin Museum prior to your visit if there is something specific you wish to see or any alterations have been made to the Opening times and the attraction itself. Disclaimer

+44 [0] 15394 41164