Ruskin Lecture Re-enactment: 'The Discovery and Application of Art'

In July 1857 John Ruskin delivered A Joy Forever, two lectures in Manchester presented over two evenings. These lectures, sub-titled ‘The Discovery and Application of Art’ and ‘The Accumulation and Distribution of Art’ will be re-enacted at The Portico Library and Manchester Art Gallery respectively during the Ruskin in Manchester festival.

A Joy Forever coincided with the spectacular ‘Art Treasures of Great Britain’ exhibition at Old Trafford. A collection of over 16,000 works of art, it was the largest exhibition ever held in this country and possibly the world. Far from congratulating the organisers on their ambitious enterprise, Ruskin’s theme was political economy.

Lecture 1

‘The Discovery and Application of Art’

The Portico Library

8 July 2019, 6:30pm

FREE

In the first lecture Ruskin challenged his audience on their complicity, through the money spent on fashion, in the suffering of an exploited workforce.

Lecture 2

‘The Accumulation and Distribution of Art’

Manchester Art Gallery

13 July 2019, 12pm

FREE

Ruskin’s second lecture argued against national insularity. Speaking at a time of warfare and revolution in Europe Ruskin reminded his audience that they had just as much responsibility for safeguarding the treasures of Verona, as the treasures accumulated in Manchester.

These special events will be performed by actor and art historian, Paul O’Keefe, in two of the most important architectural treasures remaining from Georgian Manchester.

The Portico will give the first lecture a striking period atmosphere, while Manchester Art Gallery’s Athenaeum will give the second audience a flavour of the original location for Ruskin’s lectures and the artwork Ruskin was responding to. These events offer two different yet apt immersive experiences.

Thanks to Ruskin and Manchester, Guild of St. George and Manchester Metropolitan University for making these events possible. Please book each lecture through the relevant venue.

To book for the re-enactment of Ruskin’s second lecture, ‘The Accumulation and Distribution of Art’, at Manchester Art Gallery on Saturday 13 July 2019 please visit Manchester Art Gallery’s website.