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.