The industrial legacy of West Cumbria will take centre stage at a new exhibition this weekend.
A pop-up display will take place at the Beacon Portal on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April 2026 and is set to explore the historic impact of the iron ore mining industry on the region through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Running from 10am to 4pm, it features photographs, and minerals and artefacts collected by one of the volunteers.
The mini exhibition is expected to display photographs from the museum's collections of the people, places, and mines around Cumbria.
Iron mining grew around the Lakes over centuries, with industrial growth spreading from small forge sites, coastal workings and narrow veins of the fells to enormous mining and smelting complexes in the late 19th century.
The industry declined around the mid 20th century due to dwindling ore reserves, cheaper foreign imports arriving, and economic pressure.
Major deposits occurred around Egremont, Cleator, Cleator Moor, Ennerdale, Eskdale, Millom and Ulverston, with numerous smaller deposits within the Lakeland fells – Langdale, Coniston and Grasmere for example.
Entry to the Beacon Portal is free.
For more information about this event and others at The Beacon Museum, visit their website at
Share