JOHN Ruskin, the 19th century artist and scientist, is the subject of the next Arts Society Wensleydale lecture next month.

Two hundred years after Ruskin’s birth, art historian Dr David Cross will examine his life and major achievements in a talk on Tuesday, December 11, at 2pm in the Middleham Key Centre.

Ruskin (1819-1900) was the leading art critic of his era and a prominent social thinker, draughtsman, and philanthropist who wrote on subjects as varied as architecture, geology, literature, education, and political economy.

Ruskin was the first to give critical support to Turner and, on the artist’s death, catalogued more than 19,000 works on paper that formed part of the Turner Bequest to the nation. Ruskin’s view that art should convey "truth to nature" was a major influence on the Pre-Raphaelites.

His contention that the factory system undermined the creativity of workers shaped the thinking of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement.

In addition, he was instrumental in the development of adult education for working men and women and inspired the setting up of the National Trust.

Ruskin’s standing waned after the First World War but re-emerged in the 1960s and he is now seen as having influenced current perspectives on environmentalism, sustainability, conservation and craft.

New members will receive a warm welcome. Visitors pay £8 a lecture, which is refunded if they join. Contact Ros Higson on 01765 635244 wensleydale@theartssociety.org for more details.