ARCHIVE OF 8 AUTOGRAPH LETTERS SIGNED (ALSs)
1873 - 1887. Letters. Eight AUTOGRAPH LETTERS SIGNED, one as "John Ruskin" and the others the more typical "J Ruskin." All are to Sir William Lawrence Pullar and consist of 13 pages total on his Brantwood, Coniston letterhead. The letters discuss a number of subjects including Adam Smith, the difficulties of labour and equal pay, the workman’s lot, etc. Apparently, Sir William, who donated generous gifts of money to Ruskin and was one of Ruskin’s benefactors, strongly believed in looking out for his workers. Some excerpts: "I am deeply interested by your letter and heartily glad of it. -- thankful above all for the changes in your religious feelings, and for you being able to see what Carlyle means, and how one may live in peace and honour, in spite of science." "I have long held you for a true friend -- and have yr enclosed letters among my stored ones, and I shall be most happy in your addresses to the Guild." "In your general work, keep cool, and never waste energy in trying to teach people who don't want to be taught. Form your own opinions firmly -- act on them quietly -- without hope, fear, -- disappointment -- or anger. --If any one wishes to hear -- speak: if any one questions you, answer-- & be ready to meet all honest questioning." "The world is turned upside down -- not you -- Adam Smith however is not so far away. It is the modern men who are entirely wrong. Keep to old Adam and you are moderately safe. But merchants are such blockheads." Creasing from mailing. Near Fine. Item #022548
The Pullars opened a small dyeing establishment in Burt’s Close, Perth, at the height of the Industrial Revolution. In the face of numerous difficulties, they slowly expanded until by the mid-19th century, “Pullars of Perth” had become a by-word for fast and efficient service, especially in dry-cleaning, in London, Paris, and Berlin. They also owned woolen mills.
Price: $8,500.00