The Ruskin Museum

Who we are

The Ruskin Museum in Coniston explores the life of John Ruskin, the geology, mines and quarries of the Coniston fells, the local history of the area and Donald Campbell’s world water speed records in Bluebird. The museum gives a fascinating insight into two prominent men, John Ruskin and Donald Campbell. John Ruskin, 1819-1900, was an artist, critic and environmentalist whose radical views inspired the Welfare State and so much of the British way of life. Art was an integral part of Ruskin's creative thought processes as he worked his theories out through drawing. Some of his annotated sketchbooks can now be viewed on touchscreen interactives in the Ruskin gallery. Donald Campbell broke four of his seven world water speed records on Coniston Water and was killed on the lake in 1967 while attempting a final record in excess of 300mph. His hydroplane, Bluebird K7, the most successful ever World Speed Record vehicle, has been fully conserved and rebuilt to full operational order and will soon be on display at the museum. A visit to the museum can support key curriculum areas such as History, Science, Art and Geography. Artefacts and stories provide students with an insight into local industry and culture. The museum can support pupils looking at the geology and environment of the local area, or bring alive the science underpinning the speed record. The museum encourages teachers to contact them so they can arrange activities and resources to suit their needs.