Monday 23 December 2013

Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick

We visited the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick during our recent trip to the Lake District.
Whilst it was far smaller than I anticipated, it was really interesting, especially as I have always had a passion for crayons, pencils and pens. It was a very reasonable entrance fee and the staff were really friendly and informative. The factory moved some time ago but the old one is next to the museum only a 5 minute walk from Keswick town centre.

Who wouldn't love to have this amazing special presentation box but I must admit I wouldn't ever want to use any as they look so pristine.
The old delivery van, at the museum entrance, is amazing.





Up above the glass case, across the two photos, is the biggest pencil in the world!




I recognised many of these old boxes from my childhood days.
It was interesting to see the clay and the stages to blend in the pigment before it is pressed into canes to be inserted into the pencils.


I wish I still had my old tins like these below.
Whilst the museum shop was stocked with a mouthwatering full range of pencils, crayons, and related products, they also sold jewellery made from the off cuts and stumps of the crayons. A fabulous, unusual, idea made by Zinc White and there are some fabulous pieces at reasonable prices. I bought a ring some time ago at a craft fair which is always admired when I wear it. I love it. Now they ship anywhere in the world at no extra charge than the price of the item, so check them out here at Zinc White.
There were bargain offers on most of the pencil and crayon boxes so I just had to treat myself and I am still excited and thrilled every time I look at them and my beautiful new pencil box made from Cedar wood.
It was a super enjoyable break before Christmas and whilst we travelled around and saw so many interesting places it was so lovely to relax in the spacious but cosy log cabin so close to the lake.


21 comments:

sam21ski said...

I'll say it again Jo, you always find the most interesting of places to go.

Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and all the very best for the coming year.

Sam xxx

Helen said...

oh wow, what a gorgeous place - I had a wooden pencil box like that one, (I expect lots of us did!) when I was younger.

May said...

Hi Jozart, What a beautiful post so interesting, the museum looks wonderful... I love pencils! your cabin by the lake looks so relaxing just what you need before the busy festive season...I adore your ring also going to check out that site...Merry Christmas & A blessed 2014 to you & your lovely family... Hugs May x x x

tilly said...

It's an interesting place, I went about 15 years ago...... don't you just want it all lol....
Have a wonderful Christmas
Tilly

Paul B said...

Brilliant to see your thoughts and photos on the Pencil Museum. Love your purchases. I bought a wooden pencil box too as it reminded me of my school days. Pxx

Julia Dunnit said...

How marvellous Jo...you should get a job doing reviews..you never fail to make me yearn to visit! I think the pre Christmas getaway was a genius idea.

Twiglet said...

Oh yes I recognise the pencil tins too. I guess we threw all ours away then!! Annie showed me your lovely photos today - so gorgeous Jo. Hope you all have a very special Christmas! x Jo

pearshapedcrafting said...

So glad you had a great time! If only we'd known we could have met you at the Canal Turn! We walk by there along the canal when we go shopping (well, on good weather days that is!) Haven't been to the Pencil Museum for ages - Thanks for reminding me how fab it is! I'm surprised you didn't find Reticule and Kitten and the Goat while in Kendal but then they are a bit hidden away! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas, Chrisxx

Carol said...

Beautiful area. Love the old van, think we would enjoy a visit to the pencil museum too.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Carol xx

Lynn Holland said...

Thanks Jo for the great write up and photos. I'm planning to go there myself next year so this has been a wonderful insight.
Merry Christmas hope we meet up again in 2014
Lynn x x x

gardenpinks said...

I followed your journey around the Lake District via your photos with envy and enjoyment but the visit to the Derwent Pencil Museum takes the biscuit! I drooled over that huge box of pencils - what a joy it would be to own that! I have had a passion for pencils, crayons and pens for many a long year and have enjoyed visiting the Museum through your eyes Jo. Thank you so much and have a wonderful Christmas.
Lynn x

fairy thoughts said...

looks like you had a relaxing and enjoyable time... love the van I could see myself driving around in that. My SIL worked in Keswick for a short while last year i'll have to ask if he went there.
have a great Christmas and thanks for all your lovely visits and comments over the last year
janet

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Thank you for the Christmas visit while I slept. I can't believe how far behind I am on reading your blog. I love yo8ur travel photos and the trip you recently took is no exception. Fabric, yarn, and pencils, oh my!

Speaking of pencils, I have never seen those old boxes before. I wonder if it's a British thing.

Things that caught my eye: that case containing an obscene amount of pencils, etc., the red "wellies" in front of some store.

Merry Christmas, dear friend.

Redanne said...

Hi Jo, it really is the most interesting place isn't it! Just popping by between meals to say thank you for your Christmas wishes and all the very best back to you and yours too. Here's to a wonderful 2014 too. Big hugs, Anne x

mamapez5 said...

It all looks very interesting. Enjoy your new pencils. I would have had to buy something there too. Kate x

Hetty said...

What a wonderful place to visit. So interesting.
Just want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Creative New Year!
Hope to see you in April at the stamp Show.

Scrapcat 1 said...

Hope you enjoy your new pencils and I love your ring

Carola Bartz said...

I would have given myself a treat (or more) as well! What a wonderful museum. And in the Lake District as well - I wouldn't mind staying in a cabin close to the lake!

Neet said...

The museum looks so very very interesting but you are giving your age away with those boxes. Just wish I had been able to come up with you as it all looks so enjoyable and the view from your chalet - well, superb!
Thank you so much for sharing Jo,
Hugs Neet xx

cockney blonde said...

Looks like you had a good time, yep I know I'm a bit late with my comments...
Thanks for posting on my blog.
See you soon, x

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

I started looking at this post ages ago, and got diverted by that beautiful wooden pencil box, so like the one I had when I was young. I have been searching the Derwent site for it, and ended up having to email them. What a lovely place to visit for any crafter. I am a sucker for anything Derwent, brilliant quality and British too. All good. xx Maggie