John Ruskin and Louise Blandy Papers, 1874-1882

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Summary

Creators:
Ruskin, John, 1819-1900.
Abstract:
Eighty-seven letters primarily from English art critic and author John Ruskin (1819-1900) to his pupil Louise Blandy (1860-1870), discussing her studies and chronicling their relationship.
Extent:
Approximately 90 items in 3 boxes
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains eighty-seven letters, primarily written from English art critic and author John Ruskin to his drawing and painting pupil Louise Blandy, discussing her studies and chronicling their relationship. There is one letter to Ruskin from Edward Burne-Jones and a letter from Joan Severn to Mrs. Blandy. Included also are a sketch by Blandy, two photographs, and Louise Blandy's album where the letters were originally kept. Preserved in the album are three page of pressed leaves, flowers, and mosses.

Biographical / historical:

John Ruskin (1819-1900), an English critic of art, architecture, and society, as well as an artist and a teacher, was born February 8, 1819, in London, England. He graduated from the University of Oxford in 1843. After gaining wide recognition as an author, artist, and social reformer, he moved from London to Brantwood, Coniston Water, in 1872, where he remained until his death. Ruskin was elected first Slade Professor of Art at Oxford in 1870 and held the post until 1878 and then again from 1883 to 1884.

From 1878 until his death, Ruskin was plagued with recurring brain attacks. He made many trips abroad, several in an attempt to cure himself of his illness. However, by 1889 his literary career was at an end. Ruskin died January 20, 1900, and was buried at Coniston.

Blandy

Louise Virenda Blandy (1860-1890) was the daughter of a London dentist. John Ruskin began tutoring Blandy in drawing and painting in 1873. Initially, Ruskin met and corresponded with Blandy regularly, though he began limited their interactions in the late 1870s, as his illness intensified and she appeared to grow more dependent on him. Blandy married Ronald MacDonald, an American, in 1888, and she died two years later from tuberculosis in North Carolina.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Christie's, lot 196, June 23, 1993.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in 3 boxes in the following order:

  • Correspondence and drawing (arranged alphabetically by author
  • Photographs and ephemera
  • Empty scrapbook volume

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Note:

Finding aid last updated on September 3, 2015.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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