Church of St. Wulfran, Abbeville 1868

Editor: Here we have John Ruskin's "Church of St. Wulfran, Abbeville," a drawing rendered with brown wash and pencil. Its ethereal quality makes it feel like a fading memory. What historical context shapes your interpretation of this piece? Curator: Ruskin was deeply concerned with the impact of industrialization on the environment and cultural heritage. He saw Gothic architecture as a symbol of a pre-industrial, morally sound society. This drawing, then, becomes a commentary on the disappearing values Ruskin cherished, overshadowed by modernity. Do you see this critique of progress reflected in its style? Editor: I see how the haziness conveys that sense of loss. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: It highlights Ruskin's anxieties about societal shifts and his longing for a seemingly more authentic past.