Commentary on Travel Writing, Exotic Egypt

I have spent a couple of months in Egypt and despite having a loathing for the place, I have been back. And will probably go back again. There is something annoyingly pleasing about their way of life and the complete...

She did not turn by Thomas Hardy

She did not turn, But passed foot-faint with averted head In her gown of green, by the bobbing fern, Though I leaned over the gate that led From where we waited with table spread; But she did not turn: Why...

Visual Theology ii Conference Report

Visual Theology ii 21st and 22nd September 2019 Marlborough College Chapel: in association with Marlborough College, Wiltshire     Our two-day conference ‘Ruskin and the Pre-Raphaelites: Sacre Conversazioni’ was part of the international John Ruskin bicentenary celebrations. The event was held...

Visual Theology II Feedback

Saints & Symbols fundraising

Saints & Symbols, Pre-Raphaelite stained glass book fund raising appeal In 2015 Damozels & Deities, Pre-Raphaelite stained glass, 1870-1898 was published with text by William Waters and featuring photographs by Alastair Carew-Cox. Prior to that Angels & Icons, Pre-Raphaelite Stained Glass, 1850-1870 was published....

Fifteen Things Ruskin Heartily Loathed

Iron Railings Your iron railing always means thieves outside, or Bedlam inside. The Houses of Parliament The most effeminate and effectless heap of stones ever raised by man. Wagner’s The Meistersingers Of all the bête, clumsy, blundering, boggling, baboon-blooded stuff...

Ruskin and Penguins

When I begin to think at all I get into states of disgust and fury at the way the mob is going on (meaning by mob, chiefly Dukes, crown princes, and such like persons) that I choke; and have to...

Heroism: The Face of Thomas Carlyle

A fitting way to end a conference entitled Rediscovering Carlyle is to rediscover the face and the character of the man himself. The Rediscovering Carlyle conference at Oxford has shown us all aspects of Carlyle’s influence and legacy. We know...

The Valiant by Aubrey Beardsley

The Valiant: A ballad by Aubrey Beardsley The valiant was a noble bark As ever ploughed the sea, A noble crew she also had As ever there might be. When once at night upon the deep The Valiant did sail,...