The Performances of his Friends: Artists in Ruskin’s Circle
28 September – 22 December 2002
As a patron of the Arts and a critic, John Ruskin influenced the art and society of his day. This exhibition, drawn entirely from our Whitehouse Collection, comprised works of his close friends, pupils and protégés.
“…instead of affirming drawing to be a selfish amusement, let [others] learn it themselves, in order that they may derive pleasure from the performances of their friends…”
John Ruskin, unpublished essay on ‘Painting and Music’
As a teacher and friend, Ruskin influenced and encouraged many of those around him to pursue art and develop as artists themselves. On display in this exhibition were works by Isabella Jay (who copied J.M.W. Turner for Ruskin), Edward Burne-Jones, Albert Goodwin, Arthur Severn, Charles Fairfax Murray, Kate Greenway, Francesca Alexander and many others.
