Hats off to Ruskin

It has been a pleasure to spend 4 days at Brantwood, taking time to carefully examine the clothing of John Ruskin through drawing. It has been fascinating to juxtapose the lace cap he wore at his christening with a hat worn in old age. Unfolding the garments and looking closely affords a sense of intimacy which is almost transgressive. The drawing makes the familiar strange and unfamiliar. Picking out details accentuates the material presence of these everyday objects.