Brantwood

Who we are

Brantwood is a country house which overlooks Coniston Water in Cumbria. It was the former home of John Ruskin, an important figure from the late Victorian age who was a poet, critic, social revolutionary and conservationist. The house is filled with Ruskin’s personal belongings and collections and is a unique opportunity to look at one of England’s most important social and cultural figures. The house is set in beautiful gardens within a 250 acre wood estate with spectacular views. A visit to the house and gardens explores the life of John Ruskin and allows pupils to engage with some of his ideas. It also provides an insight into life in Victorian times and there are some hands-on activities for children, including original Victorian artefacts to handle and costumes to try on. Visits to Brantwood are self-led by teachers. Educational visits are most suitable for Key Stage 2 pupils and relate most specifically to History and Geography in the curriculum. Brantwood has a set of “musical stones,” a 21st century version of Ruskin’s slate lithophone, created by scientists at the University of Leeds in collaboration with the Brantwood Trust and using rocks found across Cumbria. The instrument is on permanent display in the Linton Room at Brantwood and is available for all visitors to play. A new resource pack for schools is currently being created (available from summer 2013) which provides background information about the music stones and activity ideas for children.