The Pencil Museum

About

Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago. A journey of graphite and pencil discovery from its humble beginnings as a cottage industry to modern day production.

Discover our secret WW2 pencils with hidden maps; the Guinness World Record for the largest colour pencil measuring almost 8 metres; The Queen's diamond Jubilee pencil; miniature pencil sculptures; and much much more!

We also have a Derwent Fine Art retail shop, run art workshops and there is a coffee shop with free wifi. 


Derwent Retail Shop

The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the Derwent brand still leads the way for school children and professional artists alike.

The amazing choice of pencils is not all you will discover, with a varied selection of books and specialist pencil art items you will have an absorbing retail experience.

Our knowledgeable staff have won critical acclaim for being "delightfully charming and funny" and will help you find just the right gift for someone special, or pencil products that will inspire and entertain you.

Seasonal sales throughout the year.

The Cumberland Pencil Company - The home of pencil perfection since 1832.
 

Museum Coffee Shop

It is open daily from 09.30am offering drinks, homemade cakes and snacks. Café closes at 4.30pm.