John Ruskin | Autograph letter signed, to "My dear Queen" [i.e. to the Rose Queen of the High School, Cork]

John Ruskin

Autograph letter signed, to “My dear Queen” [i.e. to the Rose Queen of the High School, Cork]

declining, in distracted manner, an invitation to a concert (“I should most thankfully have come – and listened – and heard – and much more than I can tell – besides, had I been able now to go anywhere. But though I am ‘better’ and even, for an old man, well… I am altogether wholly unable for travelling”), 2 pages, 8vo, Brantwood, Coniston, Lancashire, 10 December 1885, some browning

RUSKIN WRITES TO HIS ROSE QUEEN. Ruskin had established a May Day Festival at Cork High School for Girls in January 1885, the Queen of the May to be known as the Rose Queen, in honour of Rose La Touche whom he had loved. He annually presented the Queen a specially made gold cross and a one of his books, with further copies for her to distribute to her attendants. Annually, after each ceremony, as address of thanks would be sent to Ruskin. Sold with the present lot is the retained copy of the 1885 address from the unnamed Rose Queen (Lottie R), in which the academic progress of each girl is proudly listed.

Ruskin had suffered his fourth and to date most devastating attack of madness, and faced the prospect of losing all control of his affairs. Further breakdowns followed and by 1889 he had all but ceased communication with the outside world.