Derwent Pencil Museum

Did you know that on average a pencil can be sharpened 17 times, draw a line 35 miles long and can write 45,000 words?

Located in Keswick, visitors enter the Museum through a replica graphite mine that would have been the source of the pencil industry more than three centuries ago. A journey to discover graphite and pencil manufacture from its humble beginnings as a cottage
industry to modern day production

Discover our Secret WWII pencil with hidden maps; one of the largest coloured pencils in the world measuring almost 8 meters; The late Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pencil and the King's Coronation pencil; miniature pencil sculptures; and much more.

The first pencil factory in Keswick was opened in 1832. The second and current factory was started in the 1920s and completed in 1950 (closed in 2007 when production moved to Workington).

We manufacture millions of pencils every year and have over 1000 colour options. Friendly staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have and advise you on product choices. There's more to a pencil than you think!

FACT FILE

Derwent Pencil Museum, Keswick CA12 5NG. Tel 017687 73626. www.derwentart.com