Saturday, May 08, 2010

John Ruskin Brantwood Coniston

I owe my Arts and Crafts education to John Ruskin whose influence caused the establishment of two secondary schools of arts and crafts at the end of the 19th century. Mine in Moseley Birmingham and the other Whitechapel London. I feel great affinity with the arts and crafts movement and could have spent the entire day enjoying Brantwood. I will certainly visit again.

Former home of John Ruskin. Brantwood is the most beautifully situated house in the Lake District.. Brantwood is both a treasure house of historical importance and a lively centre of contemporary arts and the environment, welcoming in the region of 30,000 visitors a year.
Displays and activities in the house, gardens and estate reflect the wealth of cultural associations associated with Ruskin’s legacy – from the Pre Raphaelites and Arts and Crafts Movement to the founding of the National Trust and the Welfare State.
With its many contemporary exhibitions, concerts, courses and special events, together with its education work in the wider community, Brantwood continues in the Ruskin tradition today.
Browse the small but excellent bookshop, pursue crafts or artwork, enjoy some refreshment at Jumping Jenny restaurant with its fantastic terrace views, visit the Coach House Gallery with its wide range of crafts on sale, have a sail on the lake with either Coniston Launch or steam yacht Gondola, stroll in the shore side gardens, climb to Crag Head or bring a book, picnic or pillow to enjoy beneath a tree. What ever you do, be sure to allow yourself time to unwind and enjoy yourself. At Brantwood there is a wealth of art, a wealth of nature and a wealth of things to do!



looking from the house to Jumping Jenny tea rooms.

A magnificent Rhododendron just about to flower at Brantwood.
























Jumping Jenny Cafe at the entrance to Brantwood House, the building also housing John Ruskin's horse drawn carriage and a boat.

A Brantwood visitor, Female Chaffinch on the scrounge.


Coniston Water from Brantwood.

No comments: