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Keswick Museum and Art Gallery

Keswick

Keswick Museum and Art Gallery in the Fitz Park was built at the turn of the century for
'the inhabitants of Keswick and the visitors thereto'. The grand opening of the museum was on
Easter Monday April 11th 1898, and it has remained unchanged ever since, apart from the provision
of electric lighting and heating. Its Victorian style, and the range of exhibits make it a fascinating
place to visit for all the family. The picture gallery was added later through the energies of
Canon Rawnsley. It opened in July 1907.

The local history collection stretches back to Roman times, and includes such items as the famous
500 year old cat, a penny farthing cycle, and a man trap. One of the prime exhibits is a set of musical
stones (below), variously termed the stone dulcimer, the rock harmonicon or the geological piano. It has
travelled to London where performances were given to Queen Victoria.



The 'Poets Corner' has an impressive collection of original manuscripts and memorabilia from Robert Southey,
William Wordsworth and Hugh Walpole. There are examples of items made in 'The School of Industrial Art',
set up in the town by Canon Rawnsley and his wife. The lamp fittings in the museum were made there. Monthly
exhibitions by local artists are held in the Art Gallery.

Cost: FREE

Availability

Contact the museum first to check
Contact the museum first to check

Cost

free

Alternative contact

http://www.keswickmuseum.webs.com/

Please note that these service details have been provided directly from the service provider and therefore the service and its information may not be provided by a local authority. The information provided has not been checked and verified and therefore it is the user's responsibility to take any precautions they feel necessary.