About The Derwent Pencil Museum

Keswick, the alleged birthplace of the first pencil is now home to a museum dedicated to the pencil industry. Patrons enter the Derwent Pencil Museum through a replica of a graphite mine, a central source of materials for the industry over three centuries ago. Visitors can then follow a journey of the simple writing instrument, from the discovery of graphite to modern day production. A selection of activities awaits including discovering secret World War II pencils with hidden maps. The museum also runs a series of artist in residence workshops, with people like Beverley Haines, Valerie Woods and Karen Coulson demonstrating their talent to the students.