A small independent museum based in Coniston, nestled under the beautiful backdrop of the Yewdale Fells.
The Ruskin Museum was opened in 1901 by W.G Collingwood in memory of John Ruskin, the Victorian polymath who lived in Coniston from 1872 until his death in 1900. Originally set up to display Ruskin’s watercolours, drawings and minerals of geological importance, over the years the collection has grown and the Museum has been extended twice.
In 1999 the first extension was completed, and the Coniston Gallery was created. It depicts the history of Coniston with displays on The Coniston Railway, Coniston Copper mines (we mark the start of the Copper mines trail), Coniston Slate mines, Coniston Mountain Rescue and Arthur Ransome.
We tell the story of Jimmy Hewitson, a local hero who was awarded the Victoria Cross, explore the lives of the Lakeland Herdwick sheep farmers, the Langdale Linen industry, and we hold the world’s largest collection of Ruskin Lace. “Mavis”, the sailing boat made famous by Arthur Ransome in the Swallows and Amazons books can also be found in the Coniston Gallery.
The miniature village of Riverdale is very much a part of everyone’s visit to the Museum and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors, young and old. Created by the late John Usher (1940 – 1993), a local builder, the village is tribute to his memory and unique skills.
In the garden we have a V12 Merlin aero-engine from a Halifax Bomber. In 1944 the bomber crashed into Great Carrs above Coniston and sadly eight servicemen lost their lives, seven Canadian and one British. The engine on display was recovered in 1997.
In 2008 the Bluebird Wing was built to house the record breaking hydroplane Bluebird K7 which was owned by Donald Campbell CBE. Campbell was tragically killed in 1967 when trying to achieve 300mph on Coniston Water. After the accident the Campbell family requested that the crash site be treated as a grave and for 34 years this was the case. However major advances in diving equipment and technology rendered the site increasingly vulnerable and in 2001 Bluebird K7 and Donald Campbell were recovered from Coniston Water.
Donald was laid to rest in the village cemetery and Bluebird K7 was donated to the Ruskin Museum so she would be on permanent display. The wing now houses Bluebird K7 alongside many of Donald Campbell’s personal possessions, photos and artefacts.
On 9 March 2024, after being away from Coniston for 23 years, Bluebird K7 finally arrived back home to Coniston and the museum saw record breaking numbers of visitors. Historically visitor numbers averaged around 10,000 per year, but with the return of K7 this rocketed to over 63,000 in 2024.
The Ruskin Museum is open all year round, with reduced hours in the winter months, and employs seven members of staff, while being managed by a board of Trustees. The Museum receives no public funding and relies entirely on admissions and shop sales. It has Arts Council Accreditation and has been regularly awarded Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice awards. Plans for the future include developing and updating the exhibitions and incorporating more interactive displays.
We are also in early planning stages of running Bluebird K7 on Coniston Water in 2026, 70 years since Donald Campell achieved his first record on Coniston Water.
Tracy Hodgson, Director
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