

Remarkable examples of late Victorian needlework bindings in excellent condition, touchingly inscribed by John Ruskin on the endpaper ("much admired by yours truly John Ruskin, 25 June 1893") near the end of his life, when he'd given up writing due to his failing health. The binding is the work of Helen Margaret Dixon, and the volumes were sent to Ruskin at Brantwood, and shown to him by his cousin and Joan Severn. Helen Margaret Dixon was the daughter of George Dixon, a prominent businessman who served as MP for Birmingham. Helen Margaret wrote several collections of children's stories, and at some point in her life took holy orders, becoming a Sister of the Order of Saint Dominic.
Stunning volumes with a wonderful provenance