Radiant Form: Ruskin and Shells
30 July – 29 September 2024
Ruskin was a keen collector of shells, fascinated by their manifold shapes, patterns and colours. He noted that painters like Rembrandt and Titian used shells to demonstrate technical prowess. He produced his own studies of shells for use as teaching aids.
From the decorative arts to architecture, from mathematics to cosmic symbolism, the spiral forms of shells have always inspired questions about our relationship to the natural world. Sometimes considered as artworks made by God, shells accelerated the scientific discoveries of the Victorian age, from deep time to evolution.
Curated by Sandra Kemp, this new exhibition draws on Ruskin’s shell collections and shell paintings in Lancaster University’s Ruskin Whitehouse Collection to explore the technical and philosophical challenges presented by these beautiful enigmatic forms.
Further information:
- Brantwood is open every day during summer (10.30 – 5.00) and Wednesday to Sunday (from 13 November) during winter (10.30 – 4.30), also closing on Christmas & Boxing Day.
- Costs: Admission to the house and gardens is £15.00 for adults, £12.50 for students and free for children (16 and under).
- Location Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AD
- For more information please call 015394 41396; email: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk
