Stones & Lilies: Ruskin's legacy since 1969

At the recent National Gallery conference on John Ruskin (20th/21st Sept 2019), I gave a paper on 'Stones & Lilies: Ruskin's legacy since 1969'. 

'Treasure of Dust' display, Brantwood

This talk drew on my interviews with many people involved in preserving and extending Ruskin's work, and coincided with the launch of my book on 'The Ruskin Revival: 1969-2019'

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-ruskin-revival/suzanne-fagence-cooper/robert-hewison/9781843681823

The Guild of St George, together with the organisers of the conference, Susanna Avery-Quash and Janet Barnes, were able to record several of the lectures, including mine. For the full set of videos, please see the Guild's website: https://www.guildofstgeorge.org.uk/resources/media/video-gallery

I was able to share some of the latest news about Ruskin's own geology collection, that has recently returned to his home in Brantwood - his own 'stones'.

'Snakeshead fritillary'
by John Ruskin, Ashmolean Museum

 And I explored the role of nurturing and growing, which was always at the heart of Ruskin's thinking. So my talk considered the wayside flowers of 'Proserpina', alongside the influence of the institutions, the fixtures, the relics, of his legacy.
In particular, I was able to acknowledge the remarkable contribution of women as well as men in the growth of 'Ruskin Studies' since the last big commemorations in 2000.

Opening of 'Art and Wonder'
exhibition, Sheffield

It is a testament to the transformative writings and images produced by Ruskin, that so many women have been encouraged to develop their own skills and share their love of history, nature, art and well-being.

So here is my lecture in full:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF3MHugGR5U

I hope you enjoy it.