History of the Armitt
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History of the Armitt ] [
Bibliographies ]
Beginnings
The Armitt library was founded by Mary Louisa Armitt in 1909. Her aim was to provide a resource for the scholarly community of Ambleside and beyond. The Library was formally inaugurated in 1912, following the death of Mary Louisa Armitt. At the opening event it was announced the two other book clubs were to be absorbed into The Armitt, the Ambleside Book Club founded in 1828 with Wordsworth as a member, and the Ruskin Library, formed in 1882. Volumes from these early libraries still form a treasured part of The Armitt‘s collection.
Years of Growth
From its foundation, The Armitt steadily grew, acquiring not only more volumes for the library shelves, but manuscripts, works of art, photographs and memorabilia. Following the excavations at the Ambleside Roman Fort in 1913-15 and in 1920, the objects discovered there were permanently housed at The Armitt, which now had become a Museum as well as a Library. The opening of the Museum room in 1933 attracted the attention of Beatrix Potter, who donated her water-colours of Roman objects from London. This association eventually led to a very large number of her scientific water-colours being given to The Armitt for which The Armitt has become internationally well known.
Decline
In the 1970s the loss in quick succession of many of its most experienced trustees, combined with the expiry of the lease on its premises, gravely weakened The Armitt. The Armitt had no home and seemed to have little future so it was decided to amalgamate with the new public library in Ambleside. This arrangement did not work well, and if the Collection was to survive a new approach was essential.
New Beginning
In 1983 The Armitt again became independent. New trustees were enlisted, new chairmen identified, and many new volunteers and supporters have come forward. Fund-raising campaigns have also been launched. After nearly fifteen years of hard and devoted work, and with substantial help from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, besides elsewhere, The Armitt from 1997 has a new and worthy home with a very bright future.
Armitt People
The Armitt has a superb collection of books and manuscripts, drawings and paintings, memorabilia and archaeological objects. But collections are not just repositories of things, the keep alive the thoughts and memories and hopes and fears of people. Research at The Armitt casts light on an extraordinary gallery of characters: from William Wordsworth to Beatrix Potter, from John Ruskin to Canon Rawnsley (the co-founder of the National Trust) and Kurt Schwitters (creator of Merz). These are still well known people. Others were famous, or even notorious, in their day. Others never achieved fame during their lives, but have since become recognised.
The Armitt Story by Eileen Jay is available in the Museum Shop and by mail order.
[
History of the Armitt ] [
Bibliographies ]