

What was education like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries? Who was Charlotte Mason? Why was she so influential, and what relevance does she still have for us today? Find out through this exhibition that celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the life and legacy of this pioneer in home education and learning through the natural world.
THE SEED IS SOWN
Charlotte Mason was born into the Victorian era (1837-1901), a time of great social and political change, as well as expansion of the British Empire. Some would say it was a golden period of development and breakthroughs, but for others, there was still transformation required, such as in education. The three individuals below highlight some of those advocating and actioning change in education around Ambleside and the Lake District in Charlotte Mason’s early years.
WATERING AND FEEDING
In 1887 in Bradford, Yorkshire, Charlotte Mason formed the PEU, later to be the PNEU – the Parents’ National Education Union. It was a method for home education – a training plan for teachers and parents. Its growth went on to inspire Charlotte Mason into setting up her House of Education in Ambleside.
THE BLOOM
Charlotte Mason’s House of Education opened in Ambleside in 1892. A core part of the teaching was to instil the importance of the outdoors in learning and how much this benefits children, not just in art and geography, but science, literature, history, and many other subjects.
THE NEXT GENERATION
Today, Charlotte Mason’s principles and teachings continue through homes, communities, groups, and schools around the world. There is also a growing appreciation for how learning through the natural world can benefit children and young people in more formal education settings. If you’d like to leave a memory, a letter of thanks, or picture, we would love to hear from you. The Armitt is a charity and independent trust. To keep preserving the Charlotte Mason collection for future we rely on the support of donations so anything you can give to ensure the sustainability of the archive will be gratefully received. You can donate using the ‘Donate’ button below.
Interview with Margaret Coombs
CHARLOTTE MASON EVENTS IN 2023
THE ARMITT MUSEUM
Rydal Road
Ambleside
LA22 9BL
Tel: 015394 31212
info@armitt.com
Charity number: 1054762
The Armitt is an independent trust and charity so relies on admissions and donations to continue to open for the benefit of all. If you’d like to support us further, please consider making a donation using the button below.
MUSEUM HOURS
15 February-1 April 2023:
Wednesday-Saturday, 10:30am-4:30pm
We are also open on the first Tuesday of every month.
ADMISSION
Adults £6 (with/without gift aid)
Students £4
Children (under 16) Free
Friends of the Armitt Free
Museum Association and Art Fund Members Free
Adult admission comes with entry again for 12 months.
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