Event Type : ARMITT EVENTS AT THE MUSEUM

Over a century after they were first published, the ghost stories of M R James retain their power to terrify and amuse. This gripping one-man show retells two of the earliest and eeriest. In Canon Alberic’s Scrap-book, a young Cambridge antiquary discovers the devil in the details of an old book in a medieval town in the French Pyrenees…In The Mezzotint, a ghoulish revenge is enacted within a work of art, before the helpless eyes of a museum curator in Oxford…This performance is suitable for ages 12+. There will be refreshments served in the interval and are included in the ticket price.

Come and join us at The Armitt as we read The Great Hill by Daniel Errico and Up on the Mountain by Peter Donnelly.

Once you’re feeling inspired by these stories, we’ll have a crafting session where you’ll have the chance to create your own unique mountainscape collage using recycled materials and other zany bits and bobs. Scrunch, colour, glue, rip and tear to your heart’s content! For kids (and adults) that love the outdoors, stories, art and everything in between. Please note, that this session is aimed at children 5-10 years old. The ticket price of £5 is per child. Any accompanying adults are free of charge.

In August 2021, an Armitt trustee donated to the museum a rare 1815 book entitled ‘Views of Saint Helena’. This was introduced and superbly illustrated by George Hutchins Bellasis. Ongoing research has shown that he was born in Long Marton in Cumbria. He was in Bombay from 1801 till 1804. Illness forced his return to England and also caused him to stay in Saint Helena for eight months on his return journey. Sketches done during his stay at the island became the basis for his subsequent illustrated publication, timed to coincide with Napoleon’s exile to this remote island.

Further research has resulted in making contact with one of George’s descendants who has very kindly donated 10 pictures and prints of Bowness and the surrounding area by George and members of his family. These pictures are of considerable local historical and artistic interest.