The museum stands on the former site of Windermere Steamboat Museum on the eastern shore of Windermere, and is supported by a collection built by George Pattinson who was a local builder and boat collector.
Lakeland Arts took ownership of the site in 2007 and after an extensive renovation project, we reopened in Spring 2019 and were officially launched by HRH The Prince of Wales. Today, the collection comprises 40 boats covering the history of sailing on Windermere from the late 18th century.
The design
Our concept for Windermere Jetty Museum was to create a museum that, while sensitive to its magnificent location, was also bold and visionary – an outstanding visitor experience that met the complex requirements of our historic boat collection. A key element of the design of the museum was to preserve and enhance views across Windermere and to connect our collection to the lake and the landscape that surrounds the museum.
We worked with an expert team of designers, engineers and specialists, led by architects Carmody Groarke to develop the museum. It became the first contemporary building on the lakeshore for over 50 years, formed of a cluster of simple forms arranged to frame and connect views to boats, to water and the UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Large, cantilevered canopies protrude from each of the buildings, providing shelter for visitors and boats alike. Copper cladding was chosen as a material that reflects the site’s former industrial use as a sand and gravel dock and grading plant, and as a material that will weather beautifully and distinctively over time.
The visitor journey of the museum has been crafted by exhibition designers Real Studios which aims to accommodate for both boat enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.
A history of Windermere Jetty Museum
1940
+
George Pattinson collects Windermere boats, often saving boats that were at risk.
1970
Windermere Nautical Trust is formed.
1977
Windermere Steamboat Museum opens.
1982
Museum is extended.
1987
Windermere Fire Station dating from 1880 is moved to the site.
2006
Museum closes after being open for 29 years.
2007-8
Lakeland Arts Trust places the boat collection into safe storage and commissions a masterplan for the site.
2011
Lakeland Arts Trust secures a development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and commences fundraising programme.
2013
The National Lottery Heritage Fund awards Lakeland Arts a capital grant to build the new museum and secure the future of the collection.
2013
Museum is renamed Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories.
2015
Construction work begins.
2019
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories opens to the public by HRH The Prince of Wales.
Present
Conservation of our heritage boats continues.
Our partners
Lakeland Arts is grateful for the generous support from individual donors, trusts and several organisations, without whose support, Windermere Jetty Museum and the conservation of its unique collection, would not be possible.
