The Derwent Inspiration

For over 180 years, the Lake District has inspired Derwent to create unique and world class products. The dynamic
landscape of rolling fells and towering peaks has provided the backdrop for generations of artists, writers and
poets from Thomas Gray to Coleridge and Wordsworth, Ruskin and Hemmingway.

The Derwent Heritage

The discovery of graphite in the Borrowdale Valley and the birth of pencil making in Keswick are a heritage
of which Derwent is rightly proud. The Cumberland Pencil Company created its first pencil in 1832 and the first
Derwent fine art colour pencil was introduced in 1938. The Derwent Pencil Museum still stands on the site of the original
factory in Keswick. Derwent continues to evolve and improve not only its traditional pencils but also to introduce
new innovative products to enhance all its customers’ experience and artistic opportunities.

Environment

Derwent has reduced their energy consumption, recycle their sawdust and uses sustainable resources wherever
possible. They have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for their unique solvent-free paint application
system which has greatly improved the air quality. The business is also ISO 9001 accredited.

The Derwent Mission

Derwent aims to be the world’s leading manufacturer of quality art materials, caring for customers and
the environment. Derwent designs products to Inspire, Create and Enjoy.

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