RUSKIN AT THE WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE RUSKIN (John, 1819-1900, Writer and Critic)

Autograph Letter Signed 'J. Ruskin' to 'My Dear Shorter' saying that he had "intended at first to make Mr Allen's class subordinate to Mr Penrose's but I think now this need not be so much that you may make it an independent class. I will not supply paper for the architectural drawing class - I know, in my own, how to turn the scraps to account, but I can't undertake for the large sheets required in architectural drawing ...", with a postscript at the head of the sheet that "Mr Allen will attend on Thursday evening and carry on my class, referring any necessary questions to me ...", 1 side 8vo., no place, no date, circa

George ALLEN (1832-1907) was a Craftsman and Engraver who became assistant to Ruskin and then became his publisher. On the foundation of the Working Men's College in 1854, Allen joined the drawing class, and became one of Ruskin's pupils there. He was offered a post in Queen Victoria's household, working on the furniture of the royal palaces; but he declined it in order to concentrate on work for Ruskin's service. He took on posts of different kinds for 50 years. For a few years Allen acted as an assistant drawing-master under Ruskin at the college. Ruskin then encouraged him to specialise in engraving, which he studied under John Henry Le Keux the line engraver; he also studied mezzotint under Thomas Goff Lupton. Allen's duties for Ruskin were various.
Ruskin taught at the College from 1854 to 1858.

Item Date:  1857

Stock No:  41682      £1475

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