John Ruskin letter to Ellen Heaton, 1857 December 7

Ruskin apologizes for not meeting Heaton when she was last in London. Ruskin describes the work he has being doing with regards to the National Gallery's Turner collection, saying he has been kept very busy. Ruskin says he will not prepare more than 1,000 for exhibition in the coming winter. Ruskin describes some of the works as "valueless in England -- but very valuable on the Continent in a few years." He tells Heaton he found "a very precious" sketch book containing "the most lovely designs possible.". Ruskin tells Heaton he continues to enjoy her vignettes and drawings on blue paper and that her Parnassus and Cestius are the most beautiful vignettes he knows. Ruskin says he has sent letter to the Brownings but that they had not replied and so must not have received his letters. Ruskin asks that if Heaton meets them to apologize to them on his behalf. [Date provided by Surtees: 7th December 1857]