2017 Ruskin Lecture

GENIUS AND HELL'S BROTH: A tale of two artists - Frank Randal and William Hackstoun.

LOUISE PULLEN, CURATOR OF THE RUSKIN COLLECTION AT MUSEUMS SHEFFIELD

The 2017 lecture was given by the Curator of the Guild's Ruskin Collection in Sheffield, Louise Pullen: GENIUS AND HELL'S BROTH: A tale of two artists - Frank Randal and William Hackstoun.

Little is known about Frank Randal (1852-1917) but John Ruskin commissioned more works from him than any other artist in the Ruskin Collection. Randal's work for the Guild of Str George continued until 1887 and during this time he produced at least 137 drawings and watercolours for the Guild.

William Hackstoun (1855-1921) was from Scotland and trained as an architect in Glasgow before starting a career in music and opera. In 1878 he introduced himself to John Ruskin as an artist. After seeing Hackstoun's work, Ruskin advised him to 'Work from Turner's early drawings for six months and you will know all I can tell you.' Copies by Hackstoun of Turner's works can be found in the Ruskin Collection