Ruskin To-Day is an informal organisation that exists to celebrate the life and ideas of the artist, critic and social reformer John Ruskin (1819-1900). It brings together the activities of the many different societies, academic institutions and individuals who share an interest in Ruskin and in the many different aspects of his work. This website serves as a noticeboard to draw attention to the many Ruskinian events that place across the world.
Since most activities are currently suspended, so is the calendar. However, we are beginning to get news of possible openings, and will be glad to publicise them once they become definite.
Brantwood Gardens & Estate Have Re-Opened!!!
Brantwood Gardens are open to visitors 10.30 – 5pm daily. Two new trails have been created through the gardens, highlighting some of the wonderful features created by Ruskin himself, Joan Severn and the dedicated team of Brantwood gardeners over the years. Signs will help guide you through the estate as will the new visitor maps created, which also point to the seating areas in the grounds – for picnics, a rest to enjoy the beautiful woodland and views…or perhaps just to meditate or read. New family activity packs, with drawing, writing and identification activities are available to help explore and understand the incredible variety of plant and animal life in the estate and learn a little about John Ruskin in the process. Videos are available to watch on the website to help provide a greater understanding of the gardens, with Director Howard Hull and Head Gardener, Bethan Pettitt. Either watch prior to your visit, whilst on foot in our estate or learn a little more once you get home, the videos cover the Lower Gardens, The Professor’s Garden, The Zig-Zaggy and the High Walk and can be found here http://www.brantwood.org.uk/the-gardens-at-brantwood/
Whilst the house is closed, the Severn Studio gallery space is still open, currently exhibiting work by Frances Winder. The exhibition “Water Essays” was originally due to finish in March but has proved really popular to our visitors and is now running until early September. Find out more about the exhibition here http://www.brantwood.org.uk/exhibition/water-essays-by-frances-winder/
The Terrace coffee house is serving delicious refreshments before 12 and after 3, and between those hours is offering superb lunches, incorporating local ingredients brought to you with some ingenious energy by Head chef, Joe and the fabulous team front of house. We are now offering table service and have taken some serious adjustments to service to ensure the safety and comfort of guests dining on the Terrace. Although at the time of writing the Terrace is only offering tables outside, we are hoping to open with limited indoor seating on Monday 10th August. Bookings are being taken for tables at the terrace and can be made contacting the terrace direct on 015394 49025 between the hours of 10am and 5pm.
Finally, the accommodation is open again and although very well booked up for the remainder of 2020, there are a few gaps available for a stay in this lovely comfortable accommodation with fabulous views across Lake Coniston. The website booking calendar is now up to date so if you fancy a break in this idyllic location, take a look at either the Eyrie or Lodge calendar (http://www.brantwood.org.uk/the-eyrie/ or http://www.brantwood.org.uk/the-lodge/)
The Ruskin Society of North America
Sara Atwood and Jim Spates are pleased to announce the establishment of a new Ruskin organization: the Ruskin Society of North America. This non-profit (501c3) organization will promote Ruskin’s work and ideas through the creation and implementation of educational programs, conferences and lectures, art exhibitions, and cultural outreach. Our purposes are to develop local programs and projects that adapt and apply Ruskin’s ideas about education, the environment, and the arts; to draw people together in collaboration to improve and enrich their communities; to support creative enterprises and the work of craftspeople; to promote respect for and engagement with the natural world and provide opportunities for positive and productive experiences with nature, particularly for young people. We look forward to fruitful collaboration with other Ruskin-related organizations as we work together to put Ruskin’s principles into practice.
Our website will launch soon. Inquiries about membership and other questions are welcome. Please contact Jim (SPATES@hws.edu) and Sara (sara.atwood@icloud.com). Twitter (@RuskinSocietyNA) and Instagram (ruskinsocietyna)
We are pleased to let you know about an upcoming series of virtual talks, taking place on Saturdays throughout October: ‘Ruskin, Roycroft, and the Arts and Crafts Movement’. We are pleased to share an upcoming series of online events organised by The Roycroft Campus, The Ruskin Society of North America, and The Guild of St. George. www.roycroftcampuscorporation.com/ruskin-roycroft-conference/
Please take a look at the links to the many organisations that make up the Ruskin community.
