RUSKIN, John (1819-1900). Author, artist & social reformer.
Autograph Letter Signed to 'Dear Mr Roberts', 1 page 8vo on grey paper (rather soiled and laid down on mounting board), Sandgate, no date (c. 1887) Asking him to pay a visit and 'again to tell me things new and old of the art you love?', adding that 'I'll be in, at any rate, at 12 tomorrow and Monday'.

Ruskin had arrived in Sandgate in August of 1887, probably en route to the Continent. He was to remain until the following April, and it was here that he wrote the chapter 'The Grand Chartreause' of Praeterita. During this prolonged stay he met the young art student Kathleen Olander on one of his occasional visits to London and began an affectionate correspondence with her, sending a proof of his 'Grand Chartreuse'. His proposal of marriage was, however, rejected largely because of her parents' violent objection to their association, but also because Kathleen had come to know of the supposed events of Ruskin's short-lived marriage to Effie Gray. Ruskin also suffered a severe bout of madness. In March 1888 Joan Severn brought Kate Greenaway to visit and 'Ruskin was uncontrollable. They had to listen to his fantasies about girls. He gave absurd orders and insulted Kate. He cried out excitedly about medieval manuscripts he had ordered from Quaritch and insisted that he was in communication with Rose [La Touche], in heaven' (John Rukin / The Later Years, by Tim Hilton, Yale, 2000, p. 552.
[No: 26540]