We’re proud to stock a range of gifts and souvenirs produced by local suppliers who share our passion for the Lakes and our commitment to sustainability. Every month, we showcase one of the Museum Shop’s brilliant partners.
November 2025
Handmade gifts made using Cumbrian wood by Andy Cannon (Lakeland Bespoke Pens)
‘Tis the start of the season to be jolly. ‘Tis the season many of us prepare for gift giving. ‘Tis the season some of us indulge in ourselves (and quite rightly too), to enjoy this time of year.
In the museum shop we sell a number of items bespoke to ourselves, made by local Cumbrian suppliers, and in one case even using locally supplied Cumbrian wood such as Andy at Lakeland Bespoke Pens.
Andy has been a friend of the museum for a number of years and started out supplying us with his own creations of beautiful pens, such as this fountain pen made with Purple Heartwood. Andy also supplies us with pencils, ballpoint pens, bowls, bookmarks, tea light holders, mice, Christmas baubles and vases.
Andy has similar ethos to the museum and makes his products from Cumbrian-supplied, sustainable woods. Even his mileage is ethical, with a quick walk around the corner to the museum shop to catch up with our Operations Officer and a check on his stock levels in the shop!
It’s fair to say Andy puts his heart and soul into creating each one of his bespoke products and here at Keswick Museum shop we enjoy having his merchandise on sale with us.
October 2025
Vegan soy wax candles, hand-poured in Cumbria by Crest Candles
Spooky season is upon us and what better way to chill on an autumnal evening than with some low-level mood lighting. Nothing hits the mark quite like a lovely candle, and these candles are locally made and locally relevant.
Sarah at CrestCandlesUK has been working with the museum shop for over a year now, supplying these unique candles of our beautiful landscape. When lit their wonderful smells are inspired by our diverse County. They have proven to be popular this time of year for gift giving, or for your own indulgence.
Sarah produced her ‘Mountain’ candle range exclusively for Keswick Museum. Working with feedback from our own volunteers, she created large and small candles, representing the various size of fells we are encircled by. Sarah also mixed the types of candle design, some with snow on the ‘caps’, some with bracken in the ‘valleys’. It is clear to see that Sarah’s wonderful imagination has created a splendid final product.
Sarah has similar ethos to the Museum shop; trying to ensure all materials and packaging are ethically sourced where possible. Her candles are all hand-poured in Whitehaven and made from vegan soy wax.
September 2025
Sustainable Laser-Engraved Homeware by Azhdela Design
Emma and Zoe of Azhdela Design have been supplying the museum with bespoke laser-engraved items for over eight months now. Working closely with our Operations Officer, they have always sought out the right connectivity to the museum for their items.
They take their inspiration from our collections and location, such as our Keswick School of Industrial Arts (KSIA) collection, and the fact that we are located right off the Keswick end of the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail.
One of our favourite pieces from Azhdela Design is a beautiful coaster set (see above) inspired by the KSIA. The coaster set incorporates a Celtic knot theme, being inspired by the spirit of ancient Cumbrian roots and connections of earlier peoples of place.
Emma and Zoe take on any challenges that our Operations Officer puts to them, working on parameters set out for a gift item, creating an initial design, and then progressing the design to completion. More often than not, the process is started by mere conversations! Their work has included bespoke creations for our current Tale Telt exhibition, taking the idea of a Goldilocks and The Three Bears-themed Public House (one of the exhibition’s ‘scenes’ where Cumbrian folktales are told and heard) and bringing it to life with mini signposts, coasters and magnets.
Azhdela Design shares the Museum’s sustainable ethos and ensure all materials and packaging are ethically sourced where possible, including packaging. All of their goods are designed and hand-made in Cumbria.
You can learn more about their work on their Facebook and Instagram pages (@AzhdelaDesign).
August 2025
Unique & whimsical silver jewellery by Emma Scott
As part of our Tale Telt project, we reached out to Emma to start a supplier relationship for new jewellery items related to Cumbrian Tales and the Museum Collections, such as KSIA.
Emma wishes to enchant people with her unique, whimsical jewellery and it is safe to say she has enchanted us with her pieces, many of which she has produced exclusively for the Museum. Emma has similar ethos to the Museum shop in that she tries to ensure all materials and packaging are ethically sourced where possible and uses 100% recycled silver to create her jewellery. All silver is UK sterling quality and nickel-free.
One of our favourite pieces from Emma is Nautilus Lavaliere (seen here), a stunning sterling silver and nautilus shell pendant in the signature arts-and-crafts style of Keswick School of Industrial Arts. The KSIA used a lot of blister pearls in their jewellery and to echo this Emma has used a beautiful piece of responsibly sourced nautilus shell and a gorgeous freshwater pearl drop. Emma has tweaked the KSIA classic pendant shape a little and added repoussé pomegranate leaves that feature frequently in KSIA designs.
You can learn more about Emma’s work on her website, www.emmascottjewellery.com