Ruskin Museum facts for kids
 |
|
| Established | 31 August 1901 |
|---|---|
The Ruskin Museum is a small museum in Coniston, Cumbria, northern England. It opened in 1901.
The museum was started by W. G. Collingwood. He was an artist and a friend of the famous art critic John Ruskin. The museum honors Ruskin's life and also shares the history of Coniston Water and the beautiful Lake District area.
Contents
What Can You See at the Museum?
The Ruskin Museum has many interesting things to explore. It shows what life was like in the Lake District long ago.
Local History and Nature
You can learn about the old copper and slate mines in the area. These mines were very important for the local economy. The museum also has exhibits on the geology of the region. This means you can see different types of rocks and learn how the landscape was formed.
There are displays about traditional crafts like lace making. You can also discover how farming was done in the past. If you like books, you might enjoy the section about the writer Arthur Ransome. He wrote the famous "Swallows and Amazons" books.
John Ruskin's Legacy
A big part of the museum is dedicated to John Ruskin. He was a very important writer, artist, and thinker. He loved nature and believed in protecting it. Ruskin spent a lot of his life living near Coniston. The museum shows his work and ideas.
The Bluebird K7 Story
One of the most exciting collections is about Donald Campbell. He was a brave man who tried to set a new water speed record on Coniston Water. Sadly, he died during his attempt in 1967.
In 2006, parts of his famous boat, Bluebird K7, were found and brought to the surface. Donald Campbell's daughter, Gina Campbell, gave these parts to the Ruskin Museum.
The Future of Bluebird K7
There are different ideas about what should happen to Bluebird K7. The museum wants to keep it as a permanent display. This was part of the agreement when the boat's parts were given to them.
However, the team that helped recover and restore the boat, called The Bluebird Project, wants to show it on water sometimes. They want people to see it as a working racing boat. The original parts belong to the museum, but the new parts used for restoration belong to The Bluebird Project. Everyone hopes to find a way for people to enjoy this amazing piece of history.
Miniature Village: Riverdale
Outside the museum, you can find 'Riverdale'. This is a special collection of over sixty tiny buildings. These include houses, bridges, and farm buildings. A local builder named John Usher made them all by hand.
He used local slate and stone, just like the real buildings in the area. After he passed away, these miniature structures were moved from his home. The largest part of his collection found a new home at the Ruskin Museum in 1999. It's like a tiny village you can explore!
