Armitt Library and Museum

Ambleside, Cumbria

Beatrix Potter

Armitt Library and Museum

Matthew Arnold, poet, who spent much time at the family holiday home in Ambleside

Armitt Library & Museum

The Old Mill by John Harden

Photograph by Herbert Bell, featured in 2003 exhibition 'The Mills of Ambleside'

The Salutation Hotel: Lancelot Dobson's notebook 1720

Armitt Library & Museum

The Armitt has a superb collection of books and manuscripts, drawings and paintings, memorabilia and archaeological objects relating to Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin, Matthew Arnold, William Green, Harriet Martineau, and many others.

For example, Beatrix Potter's tremendous knowledge of and interest in fungi is demonstrated at the Armitt; eventually she had over 250 drawings of fungi, and The Armitt is fortunate in having so many of her scientific watercolours.

The archives document the lives of people from all statas of society in the Lake District community, not just of the many famous visitors to the area. Included are letters, folk songs, local account books, poor-law records and deeds.

The gallery has frequently changing exhibitions and events, and previous exhibitions can be viewed online.