5142. John Ruskin to RB
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 30, 164.
| A good hours drive remember– | Denmark Hill. Camberwell. |
| Shall I—or may I come & drive you out? | 10th Dec [1862] [1] |
Dear Browning
You cannot think—nor can I—how I’ve been hindered from getting over to you—but I’m arranging everything for changing my home—and all my ways of life—and the father & mother grudge me, during the few days I have here. [2]
—Could you come and dine here at six—on Friday next—(the 13th is’nt it) [3] there will be no one but my father & mother & my two dear friends—Edward Jones and his wife. [4]
Ever your affectionate
J Ruskin.
Address: Robt Browning, Esq.
Publication: DeLaura, p. 345.
Manuscript: University of Texas.
1. Year based on Ruskin’s mention of “an hours drive” (see letter 5141).
2. Ruskin was unhappy at home, particularly with his father, who “disapproved of his son’s favour for the artist [Edward Burne-Jones]” (ODNB). Ultimately, Ruskin remained at Denmark Hill, but “he certainly withdrew from his parents’ company. From 1859 until 1868 he regularly sought recreation and refuge at Winnington Hall School … He was also much abroad” (ODNB).
3. The coming Friday was the 12th.
4. Georgiana Burne-Jones (née Macdonald, 1840–1920).
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