(British, 1819-1900) Pen and sepia ink on paper, initialed "J.R." lr, signed, titled and dated 1870 on verso, unframed, sheet size: 3 3/8 x 6 in., mat size: 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 in.
Ruskin (John) The Stones of Venice, 3 vol., ink presentation inscription from J. Ruskin to vol.1 title, 53 plates a few hand-coloured, each vol. with advertisement f. and 16pp. publisher's catalogue, occasional light foxing, gilt, some chipping and splitting to spine ends, 1851-53; The Seven Lamps of Architecture, 14 plates, advertisement slip for 'Stones of Venice' and 16pp. publisher's catalogue, light surface markings, bookplate and abrasions to pastedowns, joints splitting but firm, covers a little marked, 1849, first editions, some plates with light water-staining, cracking to gutters and hinges, shelf lean, original cloth, a little rubbed, t.e.g., others uncut; and a duplicate of vol.1, 8vo (5)
Kelmscott Press.- Ruskin (John) The Nature of Gothic: a Chapter of The Stones of Venice, first edition, one of 500 copies on Flower paper, printed in Golden type, wood-engraved border and initials designed by William Morris, illustrations in text, light scattered surface soiling and some marginal staining, else a very bright and clean copy, original vellum with silk ties (a little frayed), yapp edges, spine gilt, lightly soiled, covers slightly warped, uncut, [Peterson A4], small 4to, Kelmscott Press, 1892.
John Ruskin, British 1819-1900- Watermill and cottages by a stream; pencil on paper, 11 x 14.9 cm. Provenance: Anon. sale, Sotheby's, London, 30 November 2000, lot 344 (£2,160). Property from a Distinguished British Private Collection. Note: Ruskin's output as a draughtsman is highly varied, much like his work generally, befitting his reputation as a multi-talented polymath. Nevertheless, he did produce a number of architectural studies and landscapes which recall the present work, such as his view of Verona which sold at Sotheby's, London, on 10 July 1997, lot 133 (£15,525), his view of 'Chateau Colombier' which sold in the same rooms on 14 June 2001, lot 41 (£25,800), and another of his landscapes which sold at Christie's, London, on 16 December 2009, lot 66 (£2,750).
This auction offers a hardcover 1900 5th Edition of Selections From the Writings of John Ruskin, a beautifully preserved volume showcasing the influential Victorian critic's essays on art, society, and moral philosophy. This volume features an elegant half-leather binding. The spine is beautifully detailed with classic raised bands and bright gold gilt lettering. The front and back covers are finished with an attractive blue and gold marbled paper design. 524 pages. Artist: John Ruskin Dimensions: 5.5"L x 1.5"W x 7.5"H Date or Era: 1900 Edition Number and/or Size: 5th edition Weight: 1 lb 12 oz
ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN RUSKIN (BRITISH 1919-1900)A FRENCH STREET SCENE, POSSIBILY AMIENSPencil and bodycolour22.5 x 16cm (8¾ x 6¼in.)Provenance:James S. Dearden, Master of John Ruskin's Guild of St. George and founder of the Ruskin Association (according to label on verso)
ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN RUSKIN (BRITISH 1819-1900)A GROUP OF FOUR LANDSCAPES OF A CATHEDRAL, A BRIDGE OVER A RIVER, A STREAM IN A WOOD, AND A VAL Pencil, wash and bodycolour, in a common mount9.5 x 15.2cm (3½ x 5in.) (4)UnframedProvenance:Possibly James S. Dearden, Master of John Ruskin's Guild of St. George and founder of the Ruskin Association (according to inscription on verso)
Ruskin (John) The Stones of Venice, 3 vol., ink presentation inscription "from J. Ruskin" to vol.1 title, 53 plates a few hand-coloured, each vol. with advertisement f. and 16pp. publisher's catalogue, occasional light foxing, gilt, some chipping and splitting to spine ends, 1851-53; The Seven Lamps of Architecture, 14 plates, advertisement slip for 'Stones of Venice' and 16pp. publisher's catalogue, light surface markings, bookplate and abrasions to pastedowns, joints splitting but firm, covers a little marked, 1849, first editions, some plates with light water-staining, cracking to gutters and hinges, shelf lean, original cloth, a little rubbed, t.e.g., others uncut; and a duplicate of vol.1, 8vo (5)
1851 ❧ COBDEN-SANDERSON DOVES BINDING. RUSKIN, JOHN. 1819-1900. King of the Golden River. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1851. 8vo (177 x 130 mm). 20th-century brown morocco, sides with all-over diaper of large solid dots and flowers made of solid petals surrounding an open dot, within triple gilt filet border, spine in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, all gilt-ruled in outline, most with gilt-lettering, turn-ins gilt BY COBDEN SANDERSON FOR THE DOVES BINDERY stamp-signed 'The Doves Bindery 19 C-S 04'; original front wrapper bound in; green morocco pull-off case by Riviere. Provenance: Edith Rockefeller McCormick (1872-1932), American Socialite (bookplate; sold Anderson Galleries, 23 February 1934, lot 89). IN A FINE DOVES BINDING BY COBDEN-SANDERSON. T. J. Cobden-Sanderson was working as a barrister when he was encouraged by William Morris's wife Jane to abandon the law for a more fulfilling manual trade such as bookbinding. He abandoned his practice and opened a workshop in 1884, and in 1893, he established the Doves Bindery in Hammersmith, London. On the art of bookbinding, Cobden-Sanderson writes: 'A well-bound beautiful book is neither of one type, nor finished so that its highest praise is that 'had it been made by a machine it could not have been made better.' It is individual; it is instinct with the hand of him who made it; it is pleasant to feel, to handle, and to see; it is the original work of an original mind working in freedom simultaneously with hand and heart and brain to produce a thing of use, which all time shall agree ever more and more also to call 'a thing of beauty'' (Arts and Crafts Essays: Bookbinding, for members of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society). FIRST EDITION of John Ruskin's only work of fiction. Tidcombe 586 (pattern 746); Ray The Illustrator and the Book in England 142 ('the artist made a little masterpiece of Ruskin's fairy tale').
JOHN RUSKIN (1819-1900). Study of a sprig of Myrtle. graphite, plume et encre grise et aquarelle, rehaussés de touches de gouache14.5 x 18.7 cm.14.5 x 18.7 cm..
Deluxe binding.- Ruskin (John) The Works, 39 vol., 'Library Edition', edited by Cook and Wedderburn, one of 2,062 copies, frontispieces, plates and numerous text illustrations, and facsimiles, publisher's deluxe maroon morocco, covers elaborately stamped in blind, spines decoratively tooled and lettered in gilt and stamped in blind, turn-ins tooled in gilt, t.e.g., some slight rubbing, some covers slightly bowed, spines lightly faded, previous owner's gift inscription in volume I, 8vo, London & New York, Printed at the Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh, 1903-12. ⁂ The best edition of Ruskin's works and here in the special, decorative deluxe binding and generally in excellent condition.
Rackham (Arthur).- Ruskin (John) The King of the Golden River, one of 570 copies signed by the artist, colour frontispiece and 3 plates by Arthur Rackham, first few leaves printed in red and black, pictorial blue endpapers, occasional very light offsetting, very light toning to endpapers and final f. verso, original limp vellum, gilt, some very light soiling, but overall good, preserved in original slip-case with paper spine label numbered in ink (little browned and worn with some splitting), 1932 § Phillpotts (Eden) A Dish of Apples, one of 500 copies signed by the author and artist, tipped-in colour frontispiece and 2 plates by Rackham, tissue-guards (one with upper corner lightly creased), very light toning to margins, light foxing to endpapers, original pictorial cream buckram, gilt, spine very lightly browned, faint toning to covers, some small or light marks, mainly to spine, including very faint ring-mark to lower cover, slightly rubbed with lower corners bumped, London & New York, 1921, black and white illustrations, ownership inscription to front free endpapers, 8vo & small 4to (2)
Heading: (Kelmscott Press) Author: Ruskin, John Title: The Nature of Gothic Place Published: [Hammersmith] Publisher:[George Allen] Date Published: [1892] Description: [1], iv, [1], 127, [1] pp. Preface by William Morris. Woodcut initials and designs. 20.5x14 cm (8x5½"), original vellum, spine lettered in gilt, edges untrimmed. One of 500 copies printed by William Morris using his Golden Type at the Kelmscott Press, Hammersmith. The fourth book of the Kelmscott Press. Handsome printing of The Nature of Gothic chapter from Volume II of Ruskin's The Stones of Venice, first published in 1853. The work was of paramount importance to both William Morris' politics and his theory of art. Learning from Ruskin, Morris challenged the shoddiness of quality under modern capitalist production and showed how its products degrade both the consumer and the producer. "To my mind, and I believe to some others, [The Stones of Venice] is one of the most important things written by the author, & in future days will be considered as one of the very few necessary and inevitable utterances of the century. To some of us when we first read it, now many years ago, it seemed to point out a new road on which the world should travel. And in spite of all the disappointments of forty years, and although some of us, John Ruskin amongst others, have since learned what the equipment for that journey must be, and how many things must be changed before we are equipped, yet we can still see no other way out of the folly and degradation of Civilization. For the lesson which Ruskin here teaches us is that art is the expression of man's pleasure in labour; that it is possible for man to rejoice in his work, for, strange as it may seem to us today, there have been times when he did rejoice in it; and lastly, that unless man's work once again becomes a pleasure to him, the token of which change will be that beauty is once again a natural and necessary accompaniment of productive labour, all but the worthless must toil in pain and therefore live in pain." - Preface. Peterson, 4.
Ruskin, John (1819-1900) Two autograph letters signed to Ada Hartnell both undated, 1 page, 11 x 18cm, one on Brantwood stationery, each in a separate envelope addressed by hand by Ruskin ('I want to come and see you one day this week. Any afternoon will do … London gobbled me up like Jonah's whale … JRuskin'; 'could you write for me, in that beautiful and fine hand of yours, the … facts respecting the circumstances, education, and purest character of any child or children who have particularly interested you … and could you - without pain, set down the level facts of your own life, and of its training?… JR’); Together with two additional addressed envelopes (4) Ada Hartnell was one of the 32 original members of the Guild of St George, the utopian social organisation Ruskin established in 1878 on the model of the guilds of medieval Venice. She is mentioned by Ruskin in Fors Clavigera as one of a select group of guild companions 'in whose future adherence and support I have entire trust'. An additional collection of letters from Ruskin to Hartnell was sold by Lyon & Turnbull, 28th September 2022 (lot 54).
John Ruskin, Stones of Venice (Eight Volumes) London: Smith, Elder and Co., 1874; tooled leather quarter binding, marblized paper boards, gilt page ends, spine printed
JOHN RUSKIN (BRITISH 1819-1900) STUDY OF WOODLAND IN THE APENNINES, ITALY inscribed APENNINES / July 8th lower left pencil, pen and grey ink and grey and brown wash heightened with white on buff paper 45 x 28cm; 17 3/4 x 11in 75.5 x 64cm; 29 3/4 x 25 1/4in (framed) Provenance Sale, Bonhams London, 19th March 2025, lot 18 (purchased by the present owner) Executed circa 1845, the present work is one of a series of tree studies Ruskin completed in Italy at the time. Related examples are in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford and Tate Britain, London.
JOHN RUSKIN H.R.W.S. (LONDON 1819-1900 BRANTWOOD). Study of a tortoise. pencil, pen and black ink, grey, blue and ochre wash on paper5 5/8 x 6 5/8 in. (14.4 x 16.8 cm.).
In-8° piccolo (mm 175x120). Non collazionato. Opera in ottime condizioni con trascurabili segni del tempo in percallina rossa con stemma della "Humberstone Foundation School" e piccoli fregi dorati agli angoli dei piatti e al dorso con nervi, tagli dorati, quello esterno con dipinto a scomparsa raffigurante una natura morta. (1)
Ruskin, John (1819-1900) Two autograph letters signed Letter addressed to Miss Hartnell, dated Tuesday, 30th / 31st December, from John Ruskin, writing: 'I want to come and see you one day this week. Any afternoon will do… London gobbled me up like Jonah's whale…, JRuskin', 11 x 18cm, in addressed envelope;Ibid. Letter addressed to Miss Hartnell written on Brantwood notepaper, undated, from John Ruskin, writing: ‘…could you write for me, in that beautiful and fine hand of yours, the ? facts respecting the circumstances, education, and purest character of any child or children who have particularly interested you in your ?, telling me what mistakes you made - and what successful wise things you did… and could you - without pain, set down the level facts of your own life, and of its training?… JR’, 11 x 18cm, in franked addressed envelope; and two further envelopes (4) Ada Hartnell was one of the 32 original members of the Guild of St George, the utopian social organisation Ruskin established in 1878 on the model of the guilds of medieval Venice. She is mentioned by Ruskin in Fors Clavigera as one of a select group of guild companions 'in whose future adherence and support I have entire trust'. An additional collection of letters from Ruskin to Hartnell was sold by Lyon & Turnbull on 28th September 2022 (lot 54).
JOHN RUSKIN (BRITISH 1819-1900)ROCKS ON THE WHARFE, ABOVE THE 'STRID' OF THE BOY OF EGREMONTSigned, titled and dated August 15th 1837 in brown ink (lower left)Pencil35 x 26cm (13¾ x 10 in.)Provenance: Robert Kime, London
Early 20th Century; Original, 11.5” by 29”. Single sided embossed tin litho. Titled John Ruskin artwork of burning cigar. Has minor scratches needs cleaning. Please see photos. Provenance: CBMJ
Early 20th Century; Original, 11.5” by 29”. Single-sided embossed tin litho sign titled “John Ruskin” with artwork of burning cigar. Has minor surface rust needs cleaning; please see photos; we encourage all bidders to attend our 3-day in-house gallery event; Provenance: CBMJ
Ruskin (John) The Works, 39 vol., 'Library Edition', one of 2,062 copies, edited by Cook and Wedderburn, frontispieces, plates and numerous text illustrations, and facsimiles, a few surface marks, staining to head of first few ff. of vol. 3., occasional light scattered spotting, publisher's gilt stamp to front pastedowns, burgundy half morocco by W. J. Mansell, gilt, small white paint stain to vol. 7 spine, spines lightly faded, very light rubbing to extremities, t.e.g., others uncut, 8vo, London & New York, 1903-12.
Attributed to John Ruskin (1819-1900). Great Palace, Dresden, August 1854, pen, black ink and pale brown wash * Attributed to John Ruskin (1819-1900). Great Palace, Dresden, August 1854, pen, black ink and pale brown wash heightened with white chalk on grey paper, with contemporary inscription to upper margin 'Grosse Sc[h]loss, Great Palace Dresden August 1854', 137 x 216 mm (5 1/4 x 8 1/2 ins), tipped onto card mount, together with Continental School. View of the Peristyle of Diocletian's Palace, Split, early 20th century, pen, ink and wash, 236 x 326 mm (9 1/4 x 12 1/2 ins), titled in German to verso QTY: (2)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of three signed letters, comprising: a copy of 'The King of the Golden River or The Black Brothers', illustrated by Ferdinand Huszti Horvath, William Edwin Rudge, 1930, numbered 7 out of 50 copies, pencil signed 'F. H. Horvath', with a signed letter inserted to the front addressed to Miss Rudkin, 5th April 81, expressing his thanks to her, a letter addressed to Mr More, 22nd October 1866, discussing a sketch that he sent that 'belonged to my mother, but she likes you to have it, and so do I, if you like it.', and a letter to Sir William Wiseman, 18th February 1869, asking for 'pardon for having deferred till now my reply', together with an unsigned letter, addressed to Allen, unfinished, expressing 'What an ass that Bunney is - He has never paid me a farthing' and 'I hope you will find the etchings worth a good deal' (4)
An autographed poem by John Ruskin (1819-1900), thought to have been written for Adele between 1837-8: 'Ah no - withdraw not thus thy Trust, For less is Woman's bosom grieved, To have been oftentimes deceived, Than once unjust. Distrust not - nor condemn, but leave, Thy hope its rest - thy soul its range, And be it still, though others change, Thine, to believe. Pain is our servant. Doubt is death, Earth's hold of Heaven is all in this -, The heart may bear to lose its bliss, But not its Faith. You know I never own verses - and I suppose your friend will never believe me, Faithfully Hers, J Ruskin.'
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a collection of twelve signed letters, comprising 1) a letter addressed to 'Boyce', stating he had 'written to Rosetti' for his address, 2) a letter addressed to 'My dear Sir' responding to a gentleman 'enquiring for a Turner autograph', 3) a letter addressed to 'Mr Hall' (S.C. Hall, Esq.), worrying that he 'caused Miss Virtue some trouble by not presenting the enclosed cheque' and he sees 'the Palestine exploration people are in want of funds, perhaps Miss Virtue will be kind enough to write a new cheque for them', 4) a letter addressed to 'Calverly Hotel, Tunbridge Wells', stating he enjoyed the poems he had received which 'must be the case with every faithful lover of Derwent water - which in spite of a rather - in full consistence with - a more recent devotion to the Alps, I still claim to be - as one loves one's nurse faithfully', 5) a letter addressed to 'Mr Mackay' (Charles Mackay Esq.), apologising for a delay in response and wishing to chat to him on his return to England, 6) a letter addressed to 'Mr Smith', discussing plates 'just published, - plate 4. 12 guineas. I think this an exorbitant price - I wish you would ask one or two lithographers here what they would estimate it at', 7) another to S C Whitworth Esq., thanking him 'for the gift of your book, with every word of which I concur', complete with its envelope, 8) a letter address to 'My dear Madam', thanking the recipient for the book and commenting 'the Flaxmann designs become very interesting in this direct association with the text', 9) a letter addressed to 'Dear Mrs Barnard', stating 'You needn't come to Oxford, but you must write out the Charter, and sign it & send it to me', 10) a letter to Alexander Edmonston Esq., explaining he 'wanted the second part of Sir Charles Grandison - and on sending the first to the library from which I saw it had been purloined, it was claimed as private property - I must therefore refer again to you - and I send back the Blackwood too', 11) a letter to Benjamin Vincent Esq., stating his 'letters are all in arrears - I suppose I can be of no service now about the abstract - If it is not printed yet - just put - Can Grande della Scala for Castruccio Castracani', 12) a letter addressed to 'My dear Sir', explaining he is 'now done with Walker and Burnet'... 'but I want to see the other three parts of Burnet's work, if I can.', later wanting 'to know the price of 'Collection of Ancient Fragments', by J. P. Cary, 1832', and a further signed letter by J Rosa Barnard, addressed to 'Dear Madame, stating she has received one of her 'mother's letters from John Ruskin which I enclose. It seemed a pity to cut the signature so I send you all of it & am glad for you to have & keep it. Believe me' (13)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of fourteen signed letters, recipients to include Dr Attwell, Mr Learoyd, Butler, Miss Miller, Woodd, Dixon, Mr Stowe, with subjects to include discussing agates, pearls, and Christmas, together with six envelopes addressed to Samuel Learoyd, and an envelope addressed to Mrs S H Holder (qty.) For a comprehensive transcription, please see the condition report. Condition Report: Transcription of letters: 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire Dear Dr Attwell I was so much interested in looking out those stones for you that I’m ready to lend you another lot directly – if you’ve room and care for them. I hope the new lot sent you yesterday are better than those sent to Whiteland’s – but these others won’t be lost, there either. That’s so interesting and so right – about the moral of monsters – but I hav’nt' 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire. Ambleside Dear Mr Learoyd Please let the agates be sent here, and with thanks for your care and best Christmas wishes believe me your faithful servant John Ruskin Samuel Learoyd Esq.' 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire. 28th April 83 My dear Sir I am so ashamed of myself for not having answered your kind letters of question about showing the agates – but I have been thinking of several things about them. It seems to me that with your good help, they might be arranged for a loan collection, belonging to the Sheffield Museum, and – when long enough at one place taken to another. You will at once see at looking over them that all have separate phenomena. Several are ,(in my experience unique) and all are chosen for things which need notice in each specimen ‐ If you will at present number and shortly describe each – and show just as you think best. I would afterwards consult with you on what more might be said, with secure basis of science, of the possible mode of production of each – and print the catalogue so settled. This cannot be till after our Oxford work is done – but for the present exhibition please take all authority. I think my stones usually look best on white silk or deep red or purple velvet – in which when the collection is finally arranged you might have niched places for each stone Ever most truly Yours J Ruskin' 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire. 27th Dec. 84 Dear Mr. Learoyd No. I could not take up pearls. – they are a result of disease. And would never interest me, but I should like to see an exhaustive book on them – Silica is more than ever I shall manage, ‐ but please tell me of any points of new interest that occur to you in it at any time Ever faithfully yours J Ruskin' 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire. 3rd May Dear Butler, I’m quite delighted with all the small silvers ‐ and all the besicas – and the rest are very nice I return a pound’s worth of what I don’t want – see accounts and enclose cheque for £5 with hearty thanks. The 15/‐ chlorite is superb – quite worth £1 to me – the largest indescent Madagascar, the best I ever saw. I’m not well, stomach out of sorts – or that metal‐book would have been done by this time – I Don’t know what you could have got out of my talk – you said you should like to know things – And I said – so should I! I think that was about all. But I’ll write and print the catalogue of collections for you directly. Ever affectionately yours JR' 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire. 17th April 83 My dear Sir I will look out the stones directly – but your own arrangement will be entirely satisfactory to me – it will be a delight to think of your seeing them. – I will wait on Col. R; the moment I’m in town again Ever faithfully yours J Ruskin' 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire 18th May 86 My dear Sir I accept your Companionship very gladly, having at last given up the idea of the Guild’s being a monied power; and contenting myself with making it a bond and an influence for assured good. Do not hasten to leave your position under Dr. Gore. You could not be in a more useful one that of a practical experimental philosopher – as you grow in years – holding yet the faith you have now signed Ever faithfully yours John Ruskin' 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire. Christmas 86 My dear Sir I find nothing so uselessly wasteful of my time as lending either drawings or minerals, and have vowed to trouble myself no more, in that kind – but if I would – assuredly not for Manchester. Even at Xmas time I forgive them not their Thirlmere theft. Ever faithfully yours John Ruskin' 'Herne Hill, S.E. London 20th June 77 Dear Miss Miller, I have been twenty times of the edge – never yet well over the edge –of answering your most valuable letters – but you will see in next days I have not forgotten them. Is Eastover House an established and permanent school – and would its trustees like me to lend Some agates and other stones for her pupils to play with and think of? Ever gratefully Yours J. Ruskin' 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire. 12th Feb. 85 Dear Woodd, Many thanks. The Phots are beautiful. I had taken good ones myself, of course; but these beat them considerably. I’ve ordered a report of St. George to be sent to you. I shall expect a grand subscription to my Museum. Ever affectionately yours J Ruskin Charles H. Woodd, Esq.' 'I have not read the slips yet they seem most interesting. Venice, 6th May Dear Dixon I have been terribly neglectful of you. I was very glad to see your hand today, but what to know how you are. I must really organize this St. George’s company by drawing up some legal documents myself which the Companions shall sign. I am sick of the lawyers’ delays and the Trustees are shy of acting for want of clearly knowing to whom they are responsible. ‐ So you will have to declare that you they have no business with the matter – but that you only hold the Master responsible for the management. Ever affectionately yours J Ruskin' 'Denmark Hill 23rd April My dear Mr Stowe I’ve had this returned letter by me ever so long and always forgotten to ask you to forward it – and now I’m leaving town – but I shall be back D.V. early in the summer – and most happy then to see your friend. Yours very truly J Ruskin' 'Denmark Hill, Camberwell Monday 1st October My dear Sir I could not earlier reply to your letter – having left several days of this week open to choice to different friends whom I wanted to see – having only just come home from Switzerland – I have no forenoon time open just now – could you & Mr. Gregory favour me by coming some evening? Friday or Saturday? If not I shall have forenoon time next week. Truly yours, J Ruskin It is a long way for you to come – if Mr Gregory could be at Queen Sq. on Saturday, or Friday at one o’clock, I would come there.' 'Denmark Hill, S. 7th Oct. My dear Sir. In this fine weather I am out all day my business goes to the dogs. I am heartily obliged to you for your letters and for the kindness of sending me an account of Mr. Stevenson – Forgive me, as well as him, the trouble we have caused you and believe me yours faithfully and obliged J Ruskin'
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of eleven signed letters, comprising: 1) '7th Jan, Dear Mr Revely, All have arrived safe hitherto. And I doubt not the last parcel will also - will you forward me your account -up to the present number; and can you send me a short list of all the localities, merely from number to number. 200- 230- Cos, or Neapolis - or whatever it may be - 230- 245...faithfully J Ruskin', 2) ‘Broadlands, Romsey 25th Oct 1879 ['1879' added in pencil], Dear Mr. Tallack, Your papers are all ably and temperately drawn up - but I have no hope of your ever being of true use as long as your Society retains the entirely spurious trust in its own wishy washy hermeneutics, instead of believing God's prophets in their own plain words, Ever truly yours J Ruskin’, 3) ‘20th Nov 1860, My dear Sir, When I went abroad this summer I ordered no letters on business to be forwarded to me. I could not therefore reply to your favour of the 19th June. I am now looking over arrears, and am sorry this letter has remained unanswered. But I intend to give no more lectures in the north. I have nothing to bring me northwards in my general work - and shall probably in future stir little even from London - except for rest. Very truly yours, J Ruskin’, 4) ‘8th Oct, Dear Sir I am very sorry - but shall be unable to lecture for some months yet - I don't exactly know how long…J Ruskin’, 5) ‘Corpus Christi College, Oxford, 14th Nov, Sir, I am sorry for the delay in answer – Often my letters necessarily go for weeks unopened. The price of Fors is ten shillings a year, and I enclose my publishers address, Faithfully yours J Ruskin’, 6) ‘Brantwood, Coniston. 27th January 73 Sir, In looking over last year’s letters I found one from you which I fear received no answer. I was not in town – and scarcely seeing my letters at the time – or I should gladly have looked at the picture you speak of Truly, Yours J Ruskin’, 7) ‘Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire 26th Dec. 81 My dear Madam, I am grateful for your letter and memory: but have always so much more correspondence at Xmas than I am able for, that I must pray you to pardon this brief acknowledgement, Ever your faithful Servant J Ruskin’, 8) ‘Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire, 26th Dec. 81 Mr dear Madam, I am grateful for your letter and memory: but have always so much more correspondence at Xmas than I am able for, that I must pray you to pardon this brief acknowledgement, Ever your faithful Servant J Ruskn’, 9) ‘Wednesday, Dear Mrs Hewitt, I have not forgotten you but things have happened to keep me from sending ‐ The wine will come tomorrow, Ever affectionately yours J Ruskin’, 10) ‘Corpus Christi College, Oxford, 11 March 76, My dear Madam, You are perfectly welcome to make any use of these letters of mine – though I wrote myself that Mrs Blackburn kept them – they seem to me very stupid & careless. Was I writing now, I should be more sparing of words. Believe me, Always faithfully yours J Ruskin’, 11) ‘Brantwood, 27th Dec. My dear Sir, I have your obliging note – and duly observable directions – The codicil is excellently done – You have reviewed the Will itself I suppose – am I to return you the codicil to be fastened to it – or are they merely to be kept together, Truly yours J Ruskin’, and 12) an envelope addressed to Mrs Hibbert, 20 Earl View, Preston, postmarked AMBLESIDE 26 DEC 81 (12)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of thirteen signed letters, addressed to Mr Verity, discussing coin collecting, both for himself and a new museum in Sheffield, in one referring to his efforts to find the museum and to secure a collection of coins for the 'good people of Sheffield', in others, acknowledging a coin sent on approval by Verity, 'The coins are safe here - and intensely delightful to me - I want to look at them with less dazzled mind ...', giving details of the best: 'I am intensely delighted with the coins as I examine further - chiefly with the Edward III which I send to Sheffield forthwith. I keep the Rose Noble of Ed. 4th and Black Prince Leopard for myself ... The James's I think I shall return - the polish being brighter than I like ...' (13)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of various letters including: an eight-page signed letter, undated, to The Reverend Stephen Bridge concerning the building of St Matthew, Denmark Hill, the letter includes eleven small pen sketches of architectural details within the text, through which Ruskin attempts to show that the architect has made several serious design errors: '...I find myself reduced to the ungracious task of finding fault with the present design without being able to suggest any mode of arriving at a happier result - still, I feel so strongly that the large sum required for the completion of this floor plan will be miserably wasted - and that many who might be pleased by the drawing, would yet be disappointed by the church - that I cannot forbear giving you the reasons...', a signed letter to 'Mr. Bridge' from 31 Park Street, 23rd Nov., stating he has returned from Normandy '...finding in my own neighbourhood a piece of architecture so graceful and picturesque as your new church - I wrote a very impertinent letter about the design of it... I trust you will acquit me of conceitedness in the matter - and of putting much value on my high opinion - but I do love architecture very much and I believe I enjoy more than most people when I enjoy a design at all: and suffer more than most when I do not.', and three other signed letters from Ruskin to Bridge, an envelope to Bridge, franked 29th and 30th December 1846, a section of the text of a lecture by Ruskin, 'The Aim of Poetry', delivered in the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, 24th October 1877, and a two-page signed letter by Arthur Severn, dated Dec 5th 1900, from Brantwood, to The Reverend Stephen Bridge, concerning the choice of the dignitary to unveil the Ruskin Memorial (qty.)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of signed letters, four addressed to Mr Reid, discussing a book received, another to Mr Reid, addressed as 'Mr dear sir', expressing thanks for retaining a catalogue and later stating 'I respect Cruikshank's genius deeply - But alas - I cannot dwell on the elements he delighted in', a letter addressed 'Care of Arthur Severn', discussing helping a fellow writer, a letter to Monsieur Guyard, expressing he would be 'entirely proud and in a great many ways happy in having any book of yours or any book - that was yours', four letters addressed to Mr Bryce Wright, discussing purchasing silver and gold and their associated costs, and a further letter, addressed to Mr Bryce, being delighted with 'this tourmaline...it's not monstrous in price neither' although 'I must send you back your (pink) apatite', signed 'JR' (12)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), signed manuscript notes on Carlyle's 'Frederick the Great', 14 pages (numbered 5-18), c.3700 words, folio, text on recto only, each leaf window mounted, bound in brown morocco gilt by Riviere, gilt lettered on upper cover, in a blue folding box, '...For my own part, I don't trouble myself much about these 'rights', never being able to make out any single one to begin with, except the right to keep everything and every place about you in as good order as you can - Prussia, Poland - & what else...' Much of the text here was used in the published essay regarding the early years of the Austrian and Prussian monarchies, from the year 900 to 1667. Ruskin's notes on Thomas Carlyle's 'History of Friedrich II' in preparation for his essay 'Notes on the Economies of the Kings of Prussia' and published in his collection of essays on war, 'The Crown of Wild Olive', 1866.
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of three autographed letters, addressed to Lawrence Hodson, expressing political sentiments, 'is not half so strong a Tory as I am: - I would - if I could - gag Mr Gladstone - hang Mr Chamberlain - and sweep the whole Liberal Party out of Parliament into the Thames to get out as they could', a companion letter to Lawrence Hodson, signed 'JR', together with a group of letters addressed to John Ruskin, to include a draft letter from Lawrence Hodson, discussing religion and celibacy, with numerous corrections and unfinished, and four further letters discussing overpopulation (qty.)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), an autographed draft manuscript lecture entitled 'Unused Arundel', expressing his distaste for contemporary art and its market, leading to a request for the Arundel Society to hire copyists to recreate the Italian Old Masters rather than relying on printing, (...Do you think that, if a group of figures by Perugino, or Luini, as beautiful in many respects as the original - would not be a better decoration for your drawing room than an oil painting - such as you are likely now to get of them - of an old gentleman with his family late at a party - or a drowned child and a starving dog tied to a mast!...), 7 pages, within a red folio, dated 1878, and an autographed letter to Mrs Elizabeth Salt, revealing the subtlety of his own sensibilities while instructing her in the art of drawing, and proposing, since there is 'no wholesome elementary book on drawing', that she wait for the third volume of 'Modern Painters' which will tell her better what she wants to know than anything else she could get ('...It seems very egotistic, but it is the truth, & I cannot help saying it...'), with the original autograph envelope, postmarked 30 August 1855 (3)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of four signed letters: the first addressed to Mr Cruikshank, 8th January 1867, stating 'I have been very unwell or I should long ago have come to see you.', the second addressed 'My dear Sir', expressing his gratitude and asking to look at the drawings the recipient is due to show Mr Severn, the third to Miss Stegant, 4th Feb 83, discussing his own publications, the fourth to Arthur Severn, discussing a present of African minerals to the St George's Museum which will be arranged by 'our acting Mineralogist, Mr Francis Butler', complete with a portrait of Ruskin, together with six associated letters by other hands with The Crystal Palace Company heading, a similar letter headed Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce, and a letter with a sketch over a horse head above an inscription George Cruikshank (1792-1878) verso, a letter to De Behnes from George Cruikshank, discussing 'the accounts for the caricatures', two letters to Lady Molesworth from Treschleichen, expressing the concerns of Dr Munthe with the location and condition of Captain Ford, an associated letter to Lady Molesworth from Dr Munthe, expressing clear concern for 'Where Dicky is?' and other questions about his location and how to contact him, a card from Dr Munthe, and a letter addressed 'My dear Froude', requesting the recipient's attendance, complete with a portrait of Tennyson (qty.)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of nine signed letters, comprising: a letter addressed 'My dear Sir', on his interest in 'examining the volume and number of the Magazine of Art which Mr Goss was thoughtful enough to ask you to send', a letter addressed to Oldfield, discussing church windows, and seven letters with 'Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire' heading, containing the discussion around the purchase of a picture by the Glasgow Corporation (9)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of eight signed letters, comprising: six letters to Libbie, a local girl, whose parents were well known to Ruskin, including three signed 'JR', expressing his joy in spending time with her, discussing his own ill health and care for her parents, and two letters addressed to Polly, discussing a dress for Janie, together with two signed letters from Joan Ruskin Severn, both addressed to Libbie, expressing her joy and good feelings to the recipient, a hymn sheet, 'Sung in Coniston Church by Miss Wakefield, on the occasion of Mr Ruskin's funeral', and two portraits, one of John Ruskin, the other of Joan Ruskin Severn (13)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a group of six signed letters, comprising: a letter addressed to 'My dear Sir', stating 'from the tone of your note you are not pleased with drawings - let me beg you to return them to me - and to wait your opportunity at Mr. Prout's sale - just coming on', another addressed to 'My dear Rossiter', stating he has not been able to think about the programme he had received 'the one patent being that Huxley for your head & such a staff as you have already for your support, there's not much fear of your getting on' and jests 'if all my friends would kindly consider me dead for five years, (and write me some nice complimentary epitaphs - which I might get more good of than dead people usually do - I believe I should come to life again in a more useful shape for everybody', and four brief letters addressed to 'My dear Sir' (Mr W C Gilbert), 'My dear Sir' (J H Le Keuk, Esq.), 'Sir', and a 'My dear Rosetti' (6)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a collection of eight signed letters, one addressed to 'My dearest Annie' discussing a meeting, seven brief letters addressed to 'Gentlemen', 'Mr Milner', 'My dear Sir', 'Mrs Bricknell', 'My dearest Agatha', 'Miss Mackenzie', and 'Miss Cooke', and three newspaper cuttings, commenting on the health of Ruskin (11)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), two letters relating to pupils of the High School, Cork: the first addressed to John Ruskin, 1st December 1885, 'Dear Mr Ruskin, We write for the Pupils of the High School, who have been anxious to express their great satisfaction at hearing of your recovery to health, but they waited in order to be able to send you a very hearty invitation to their breaking-up Conceit. Only they fear that the present inclement weather and the long journey to Cork may prevent your acceptance. Our Lady Principal is writing to you and she will tell you much better than we can, how deeply we should enjoy your presence then, or indeed on any occasion, if you will come to see us. We would ask our Queen to exercise here authority, but that we think it would be thoughtless and selfish just now but indeed we should be proud to welcome you in our school. We would like to tell you of our successes in the Year’s Examinations, because we are very proud of two of our elder girls, one of whom, Nita, has just passed her First University Examination in Dublin, and Lattie, on the Queen’s elder maidens, has matriculated in the Royal University. Maggie, Eva, Ethel, Florrie, Susanna, Daisy and Ethel the Second, passed the Intermediate Examinations in English, Mathematics and Modern Languages. While Lattie, Daisy, Maggie Lizzie, Florrie, Lily, Lottie and Annie have all gained Certificates in Botany. We are, Dear Mr Ruskin, Your affectionate Pupils of the High School, Rose Queen', the second addressed to Mr dear Queen', 'I am quite happy with your Majesty’s letter – signed as it is by your loving subjects – and can quite peacefully wait to receive the Lady Principal’s by next post, it has not reached me with yours. She cannot tell me better than you can yourselves, what you want of me – and I should most thankfully have come - and listened – and heard – and much more than I can tell – besides, had I been able now to go anywhere. But though I am’ better’ and even, for an old man, well (or at least able for the things I chiefly wished to carry forward, I am altogether wholly unable for travelling, - and for all very delightful – as for all exciting and anxious things . I can’t let my head be turned - as it would in Ireland , when I’ve only just got it a little into order again after an illness, more serious than I care to tell you – Though I am writing quite seriously, - and not in play. But even ‘serious’ letters are forbidden me, yet a while. I hope before May day of next year to be of some use to you – even though I cannot be with you & I am always your loving and grateful servant J Ruskin' (2)
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a pair of mahogany folio cabinets, 19th century, each moulded top with inlaid ivory labels, over a pair of panelled doors complete with brass stylised moth handles, enclosing two compartments complete with carved guilloché gilt oak frames, each with leather pull handle and ivory inventory label, 84.5cm wide 64cm deep 99.5cm high (2) Provenance: Designed for the Ruskin School of Drawing in Oxford, Bembridge School, then Carisbrooke Castle. IMPORTANT NOTE This lot contains ivory material. Please be advised that several countries, including those in the EU and the USA, now prohibit the importation of ivory items unless under specific conditions. Accordingly, prospective buyers should familiarise themselves with the relevant customs regulations of their country and ensure they are able to import this item prior to bidding. This item has been registered as exempt from the UK Ivory Act 2018.
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a pair of mahogany folio cabinets, 19th century, each moulded top with inlaid ivory labels, over a pair of panelled doors complete with brass stylised moth handles, enclosing two compartments with glazed oak frames, each with leather pull handle and ivory inventory label, 60.5cm wide 46.5cm deep 77cm high (2) Provenance: Designed for the Ruskin School of Drawing in Oxford, Bembridge School, then Carisbrooke Castle. IMPORTANT NOTE This lot contains ivory material. Please be advised that several countries, including those in the EU and the USA, now prohibit the importation of ivory items unless under specific conditions. Accordingly, prospective buyers should familiarise themselves with the relevant customs regulations of their country and ensure they are able to import this item prior to bidding. This item has been registered as exempt from the UK Ivory Act 2018. Condition Report: With scuffs, surface marks and old labels thoughout commensurate with age. Some examples with the leather pull handles damaged. One example with the right hand door knob missing.
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a pair of mahogany folio cabinets, 19th century, each moulded top with inlaid ivory labels, over a pair of panelled doors complete with brass stylised moth handles, enclosing two compartments with glazed oak frames, each with leather pull handle and ivory inventory label, 60.5cm wide 46.5cm deep 77cm high (2) Provenance: Designed for the Ruskin School of Drawing in Oxford, Bembridge School, then Carisbrooke Castle. IMPORTANT NOTE This lot contains ivory material. Please be advised that several countries, including those in the EU and the USA, now prohibit the importation of ivory items unless under specific conditions. Accordingly, prospective buyers should familiarise themselves with the relevant customs regulations of their country and ensure they are able to import this item prior to bidding. This item has been registered as exempt from the UK Ivory Act 2018.
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a pair of mahogany folio cabinets, 19th century, each moulded top with inlaid ivory labels, over a pair of panelled doors complete with brass stylised moth handles, enclosing two compartments with glazed oak frames, each with leather pull handle and ivory inventory label, 60.5cm wide 46.5cm deep 77cm high (2) Provenance: Designed for the Ruskin School of Drawing in Oxford, Bembridge School, then Carisbrooke Castle. IMPORTANT NOTE This lot contains ivory material. Please be advised that several countries, including those in the EU and the USA, now prohibit the importation of ivory items unless under specific conditions. Accordingly, prospective buyers should familiarise themselves with the relevant customs regulations of their country and ensure they are able to import this item prior to bidding. This item has been registered as exempt from the UK Ivory Act 2018.
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a pair of mahogany folio cabinets, 19th century, each moulded top with inlaid ivory labels, over a pair of panelled doors complete with brass stylised moth handles, enclosing two compartments with glazed oak frames, each with leather pull handle and ivory inventory label, 60.5cm wide 46.5cm deep 77cm high (2) Provenance: Designed for the Ruskin School of Drawing in Oxford, Bembridge School, then Carisbrooke Castle. IMPORTANT NOTE This lot contains ivory material. Please be advised that several countries, including those in the EU and the USA, now prohibit the importation of ivory items unless under specific conditions. Accordingly, prospective buyers should familiarise themselves with the relevant customs regulations of their country and ensure they are able to import this item prior to bidding. This item has been registered as exempt from the UK Ivory Act 2018.
John Ruskin (1819-1900), a pair of mahogany folio cabinets, 19th century, each moulded top with inlaid ivory labels, over a pair of panelled doors complete with brass stylised moth handles, enclosing two compartments with glazed oak frames, each with leather pull handle and ivory inventory label, 60.5cm wide 46.5cm deep 77cm high (2) Provenance: Designed for the Ruskin School of Drawing in Oxford, Bembridge School, then Carisbrooke Castle. IMPORTANT NOTE This lot contains ivory material. Please be advised that several countries, including those in the EU and the USA, now prohibit the importation of ivory items unless under specific conditions. Accordingly, prospective buyers should familiarise themselves with the relevant customs regulations of their country and ensure they are able to import this item prior to bidding. This item has been registered as exempt from the UK Ivory Act 2018.
