Cumberland Pencil Museum Museums

Journey through the history of pencil making and the story of our world famous Derwent pencils at the Cumberland Pencil Museum in Keswick.

The first pencils ever made were produced in Keswick following the discovery of Cumberland Graphite. About 1558, in the early days of Queen Elizabeth, thanks mainly to the Italian schools, the fame of Cumberland graphite spread quickly via the Flemish traders as being a most useful material to artists all over the world. It was first used by cutting into rough pieces and wrapping it in sheepskin, but it was the Italians who first developed a wooden holder.

It was in 1832 that the first local pencil factory was started, progressing from the cottage industry that evolved following the discovery of Borrowdale Graphite. Originally owned by A. Wren, it was taken over by Hogarth & Hayes in 1875, and became the Cumberland Pencil Company in 1916. Thus the long tradition of Derwent pencil making began more than 150 years ago at Keswick in the English Lake District.

The Cumberland Pencil Company has been manufacturing Fine Art Pencils for over 170 years. By combining tradition and heritage with the latest manufacturing methods and technical advances, we pioneered the world's first lightfast pencil launched in May 2001.

At the Cumberland Pencil Museum you can journey through the history of pencils and pencil making, with in depth information on such topics as:

The History of Graphite Mining in Borrowdale,

including a replica of Seathwaite Graphite Mine

Machinery Displays

Video Shows of Pencil Making & Artistic techniques.

Children's Drawing Corner and free Competition

Brass Rubbings

Artists' Workshops

Gift Shop

Car Park

The museum is open all year round, from 9. 30am to 4. 00pm daily. Extended opening during the Summer periods, please telephone for or check this page for details.

Closed 25th and 26th December and 1st January. It has a free car park and is suitable for visitors in wheelchairs. .