Made In England

The Lake Poets wrote about the area at the turn of the 19th century. William Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth and his famed poem ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ was written about the evocative sight of daffodils on the shores of Ullswater. His Lake School contemporaries Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey also formed part of the Romantic Movement and used the region as an inspiration.

Many of Norman Nicholson twentieth century poems were written about the Cumbrian way of life. Known for their simplicity of language, they also contained strong elements of local dialect. Novelist Hugh Walpole lived on the slopes of the Lake District where he wrote much of his later material. His work ‘The Herries Chronicle’ told the story of a Cumbrian family.

Children’s authors Beatrix Potter and Henry Ransome both lived in Cumbria. Potter set many of her Peter Rabbit books in the Lake District and Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ books were also inspired by the lakes.

Ulverston-born modern artist Keith Tyson won the Turner Prize in 2002. Sometimes controversial, Tyson’s work often looks to mix scientific thought and art. Another famous Ulverston resident was Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame. In music, cult Kendal band British Sea Power have received critical acclaim for their albums and elaborate live shows.

Made in England

Made in England is a joint partnership between BBC English Regions and Arts Council England to bring audiences and artists together in unique collaborations to provide exciting new cultural experiences.

It is a project dedicated to exploring how England – the place and the people - is expressed through creative and artistic forms.

Think about the Lake District - dramatic and elegant, the lush greens and icy blues depicting an unspoilt England. William Wordsworth was so inspired by the landscape he wrote poems, sonnets and ballads dedicated to it.

Non-traditional art is just as important to recognise - graffiti on the streets, estates built in the Sixties, and even regional accents. Does this architecture, history and culture inspire you to think of all things English?

If you’re bursting with enthusiasm at the thought of creating something - why don’t you see how you can get involved? Visit the main Made in England site to find out how you can get your creative juices flowing.

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Jackie Kay writes a heart warming tale about her mother's love for houses and how she "always wanted a house with a bay window."