Letter from John Ruskin, Denmark Hill, London, to Mrs Baines, 26 Portland Place

Scope and Content

This handwritten letter was sent from Ruskin's parents' house in Denmark Hill so must have been written between 1843 when they bought the house and 1871 when it was sold subsequent to their deaths. Ruskin lived intermittently with them throughout the period but as the letter concerns the education of girls it may date from about 1865 when Sesame and Lilies was first published. Includes photocopy of letter.

Ruskin advises her to find a few other ladies with whom she can agree on 'two or three essential points', and then to carry them out 'if it be but in the education of one girl'. 'By the end of the year you will be able to judge better how you can help me'.

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