Ruskin Collection

A collection of 93 books by and about the art critic, writer and artist John Ruskin donated to the School of Art by the widow of a local Ruskin scholar after his death. The condition of this bequest was that it should be kept together which is why it is not incorporated into the main Collection. The latest date of publication is 1973 and the earliest 1853 (Volume 3 of the Stones of Venice)

Ruskin has strong links with Sheffield for when he first visited in 1875 he was so impressed by both the beautiful countryside surrounding the city and the tradition of skilled craftsmanship in its metalwork that he had a collection arranged for the people of Sheffield, including prints, plaster casts, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, books, minerals, geological specimens and coins. In 1985 the renamed Ruskin Gallery opened in Norfolk Street to house the collection.

Ruskin is best known as an art critic, especially as a passionate defender of Turner and the young pre-Raphaelites. His works include the multi-volume Modern Painters, The Seven Lamps of Architecture and The Stones of Venice.