Visit to Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria: 15th April 2019

From the land of Wensleydale sheep into that of Herdwicks, and their lambs, over the Yorkshire Dales into the Lake District, through Grizedale Forest and down to Coniston Water. A wonderful outing to visit this inspirational spot chosen by John Ruskin as a retreat from public life and it's pressures. With views from every angle, the house sits on the shore of Coniston Water, with its own jetty (visited by the elegant steamboat), surrounded by massive hills, and its own estate. The gardens combine with woodlands and shrubs on the hills behind. After a very interesting talk by the Director, Howard Hull, we explored and enjoyed the house and gardens at our own pace. There was also an exhibition of JMW Turner pictures, the highlight of which was the oil 'Venice: the Piazetta with the Ceremony of the Doge Marrying the Sea'. It seemed a privilege to look around this intimate family house that had been home to such a complex, talented man of the Victorian age, and inspired one to enquire deeper into his life, thoughts and art.

J H-V

Photographs by courtesy of Jenny Howard-Vyse, Barbara Gardner and Robert Hall