The Friend’s of Brantwood
The Friends of Ruskin’s Brantwood was re-formed in 1991 to support Brantwood both financially though various fund-raising events, and to offer practical assistance in various ways. We have volunteer house stewards, gardeners, and others who offer their own time or experiences behind the scenes.
Over the years the Friends have helped in the funding of various projects such as conservation of some of Ruskin’s drawings, assisting with the purchasing of works of art for Brantwood’s collection, and in the general maintenance of furnishings and the supporting of events.
The active membership thrives and has gained a worthy reputation as a friendly and inclusive body of enthusiasts residing both in the U.K. and overseas. Regular events and lectures appear on their calendar, with the highlight being the A.G.M. and Study Day where once a year they gather at Brantwood for a day of lectures and business, punctuated by a good lunch, and is always a fine social event.
Friends receive complimentary admission to Brantwood during public opening hours and 10% discount in the bookshop and restaurant. There are also invitations to the openings of new exhibitions, a twice-yearly coloured newsletter with articles and news from members along with reports from Brantwood. There are also regular online newsletters and updates on Brantwood events.
New members are always welcomed, and you can join online below.
Join / Renew Friend’s of Brantwood Membership
Whether you are a new member eager to explore this historic gem or a loyal patron seeking to renew your membership, the Friends of Brantwood offers an extraordinary opportunity to support and engage with this cherished cultural treasure.
If you are a UK taxpayer we can treat your membership as a donation and claim an extra 25p in every £1, please select the Gift Aid option below if you would like to Gift Aid your membership.
If you are purchasing a joint membership, please include secondary members within the order notes. Once you have purchased your membership we will be in touch with further information, including how to access the members area & Friend’s Journal / newsletters.
2024 AGM & Open Day
Saturday 8 June 2024. 10.00am – 5.00pm In the Coach House Loft
Join us on the 8th June with talks on Ruskin, Morris, and Pre-Raphaelite art, followed by a garden tour and exhibitions. Enjoy coffee, lunch, and networking with fellow Friend’s throughout the day.
The learning loft project at Brantwood
The refurbishment and development of the former hayloft into a new learning resource area in 2015/16 provided a unique opportunity for the Friends of Brantwood to develop a project which put John Ruskin’s beliefs and principles into practice and to offer activities to children and young people who might not otherwise be aware of Ruskin or visit Brantwood. Spending time in this lovely environment on simple experiences in a natural setting – observational drawing, making natural bookmarks, magic potions and natural colour palettes – gives our young visitors positive experiences of curiosity, achievement and skills development. It increases their life force, infuses them with energy and inspires them to undertake new tasks and strive towards unimagined goals.
The activities were developed with close working between Brantwood volunteers, staff and outdoor learning specialist, Rosie Taylor. Our volunteer education coordinator, Anita, has spent her working life in education roles and is a keen practitioner of Ruskin’s beliefs. Anita works as the coordinator for the school visits and helps develop and deliver this wonderful education offer.
Since 2016, Brantwood has welcomed over 20 schools and now offers 16 dates per year where the Loft can be used for school visits. The activities and admission are all provided free of charge to schools within Cumbria, funded through small grants raised. In some instances, if the cost of transport is prohibitory for a school, up to 50% of transport costs can be covered.
Contact Us
Main house: 015394 41396
Terrace Kitchen: 015394 49025
General enquiries: hello@
Collections enquiries: collections@
Terrace Kitchen: theterrace@
Accomodation & groups: bookings@
The Brantwood Trust
East of Lake
Coniston
LA21 8AD
Brantwood is an independent registered charity no. 504743 – The Brantwood Trust Coniston Cumbria LA21 8AD
Email: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk Telephone: 015394 41396