Hughes, Arthur, 1832-1915

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Rossetti says that "owing to absence," Heaton's letter has only just reached him. Rossetti provides Heaton with Arthur Hughes's address and describes Hughes as "the one ... whose genius is, beyond a doubt, of the highest order." He says that he thinks Heaton would admire his works' "genuine poetry and originality." Rossetti ends by apologizing for the hastiness of his response, explaining he is busy with work.

Scope and Contents: Rossetti expresses his hope that he can begin Heaton's commission and tells her that he will write to her if he commences the work while she is still in London so that she can visit him to see it. Rossetti admits that the "interruptions" delaying his work on Heaton's commission have also held up his other pieces and so he does not have anything "to show at present" but thanks Heaton for her continued interest. Rossetti is pleased that a gentleman has commissioned work from Arthur Hughes on...

Scope and Contents: Rossetti tells Heaton that the subjects he is working on for inclusion in a new work by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, are The Palace of Art, Sir Galahad, The Lady of Shalott, Mariana in the South and possibly the Vision of Sin. He describes the drawing of the Palace of Art as being inspired by Tennyson's lines about St. Cecily and says it...

Scope and Contents: Burne-Jones begins the letter with the following declaration: "Mr Jones begs respectfully to inform the public that he executes pictures of the most chaste and unique description upon the most reasonable terms." He then lists prices for a variety of types of drawings, including "love scenes, executed in bold style, indian ink" (5 shillings) and "full length caricature" (2 shillings and sixpence). He goes on to announce that he is "desirous of forming...

Scope and Contents: Ruskin explains that he has not been able to get some photographs he desires. He advises Heaton that her friend may wish to commission work from Arthur Hughes, promising to send Heaton Hughes's address and suggesting that she keep him in mind for any future purchases. Ruskin recommends commissioning work from "one of Rossettis pupils -- a poor girl -- dying I am afraid -- of ineffable genius" [though unnamed in the letter, this is Elizabeth Eleanor Siddall] but that "there is no hurry as she...

Scope and Contents: Ruskin is writing from his bed. He advises Heaton to acquire a Turner, remarking that Turner's Parnassus and Castle St Angelo is better than his Berne, with the Parnassus the "finest." Ruskin advises Heaton to protect the Parnassus from light. He suggests she commissions work from both John William Inchbold and Arthur Hughes. He admits he has not...

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"I have seen neither of the pictures & fear I cannot see them at present -- but you cannot be wrong in taking whichever Hughes himself recommends. -- I have some more photographs for you -- Shall I send them to Leeds?" [Date provided by Surtees: Summer 1855]

Scope and Contents: Ruskin tells Heaton he will send her requested photographs alongside the bill for them. He remarks that Rossetti's Rachel shows the dangers of commissioning specific scenes for the artist as "he never would fail in a subject of his own choice.". He thinks that Rachel's face is very beautiful and is "spoiled only by [sic] small underlip." He tells Heaton that it is a portrait of Elizabeth Siddall. He praises the work's use of colour. Ruskin asks...

Scope and Contents: Ruskin asks Heaton if she could arrange for a photographer to go to Bolton and take a photograph of the scene depicted in Turner's Bolton Abbey, and to collect bits of rock from the area. Ruskin praises both Arthur Hughes's painting and Robert Browning's recently published poem "An Epistle Containing the Strange Medical Experience of Karshish the Arab Physician", expressing his surprise that he should agree with the Athenaeum's...

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"Sadly crushed in my pocket -- the enclosed is nevertheless worth making out as you will see how R. [Rossetti] feels himself about the drawing. I have sent word to [Arthur] Hughes to send it to you instantly -- as I can't go & see it -- if there is anything shocking in it -- it is not my fault." [Date provided by Surtees: Monday 13th October 1856]

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"I like Hughes Picture exceedingly -- It is not Auroro Leigh in the least but you cannot expect a young man -- happy in wife & family -- & full of exceeding tenderness -- to understand the fiery depths of stormy Sunrise. This picture is a charming one of two people in love. It has its faults of course -- but you are fortunate in possessing it. Your Mystery is Arles, on the Rhone." [Date provided by postmark: 14 December 1860]

Scope and Contents: Ruskin tells Heaton that he's feeling better but still unable to talk to anyone. He tells Heaton he has her Hughes work (That was a Piedmontese) and praises the work as "exquisitely beautiful in the face of the woman." Ruskin vows to never criticize work by a living man but goes on to say that Hughes has not been true to Elizabeth Barret Browning's poem A Court Lady by failing to make the subject's dress grand enough. Ruskin...

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ALS.

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Two ALS.

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Nine ALS and one fragment to William Allingham.

With 2 ALS to Mrs. Allingham.

Abstract: The collection comprises 57 letters from Dante Gabriel Rossetti to Ellen Heaton written from 1855 to 1875 (the bulk from 1855 to 1864). The letters primarily pertain to works by Rossetti, including a number of his works commissioned by Heaton. Works referenced include: Beata Beatrix, Beloved, Bethlehem Gate, Dante’s dream at the time of the death of Beatrice, ...

Abstract:

The collection comprises letters from John Ruskin to Ellen Heaton, written from 1855 to 1864.