Ruskin , John , 1819-1900 , author, artist and social reformer

John Ruskin was born on 8 February 1819 in London. Ruskin was educated by his mother and by various tutors before attending Oxford University. His study there was interrupted for two years by illness. He embarked upon a foreign tour with his parents, which lasted from June to September 1840. After resuming his education, he received his BA in 1842 and his MA in 1843. He taught art at Working Men's Colleges and at Oxford. While at Oxford he was appointed the first Slade Professor of Fine Art in 1869. During his life he wrote many books on art, social criticism and politics. In 1871 he purchased Brantwood near Coniston in the Lake District. Ruskin died of influenza on 20 January 1900.