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The museum first. Its permanent collections focus on three primary areas: the Arts and Crafts movement; the Victorian era; and a special section devoted to Arthur Ransome, author of the Swallows and Amazons children's books. The Arts and Crafts section is the biggest. The movement, which lasted from approximately 1880-1910, was a rural reaction to Industrialism, emphasising traditional skills and values and the production of reliable goods that were in keeping with the natural world. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it thrived in the Lake District, drawing particular inspiration from the writings of local Brantwood resident John Ruskin. Various crafts businesses were subsequently opened across the region, producing highly decorative examples of rustic furniture and textiles. The museum houses examples of the plants' output, including elegant costumes, luxurious threads, patchwork, metalwork from the Keswick School of Industrial Art, and some fine pieces of Ruskin Lace.
The museum's collection of Victoriana is no less exhaustive. The Victorians loved the Lake District and made frequent use of the pioneering rail links set up here in the 19th century (the first of which was constructed right here, in Kendal, in 1846). Filling the archives are various games and toys, including numerous china dolls, dollhouses and kaleidoscopes. A recreated Victorian parlour features a colourful array of decorations, including cases of stuffed birds, and there's even room for Dr Sawyer's 1860s quadrocycle prototype in the hallway. Others rooms renovated to an earlier age include a Victorian bedroom and an Edwardian street complete a pharmacy, tailor's, camera shop and a toy store. Ransome's Study is another reconstruction. It's packed with some of the children's author's prized possessions; notably his desk, typewriter, a collection of flags, and many books. John Cunliffe, another local writer, created the character of Postman Pat while living in Kendal, and he too has his own room here. The highlight for many is a mailbox in which children can post their letters to the author.
As well as its permanent exhibitions, the museum regularly houses a number of temporary displays, as well as a variety of events, activities and workshops. These include demonstrations of spinning, woodworking and lace-making by local craftspeople, plus a selection of kids' activities during the school holidays.
The Abbot Hall Art Galley lies just across the courtyard from the museum. It's been heralded as one of England's best small galleries, and features works by Turner, local portrait painter George Romney, and 40 drawings and watercolours by John Ruskin. There's also a fine assortment of sculptures and yet more items from the Arts and Crafts period.
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Opening hours for both attractions are 10.30-17.00 Monday to Saturday (10.30-16.00, November - March). Both are closed between 10 December and 11 January.
Address of Museum of Lakeland Life = Abbot Hall Kendal Cumbria LA9 5AL Tel. +44 (0) 1539 722464
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