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Pioneers: John Ruskin, William Morris and the Bauhaus

Millennium Gallery

Free, donations welcome

William Morris, Daisy tile (c. 1870) © William Morris Gallery, London Borough of Waltham Forest.

John Ruskin, William Morris and the students and masters of the Bauhaus shaped our understanding of art and design. They were united by a common belief – that design and making can improve everyday life.

During its early years, the groundbreaking German art school championed the ideas of Ruskin, the Victorian artist and writer, and Morris, the celebrated designer and craftsman. Each shared principles of making, community and excellent design for all – before shifting its focus to embrace mass production, handcraft was a central pillar of the formative Bauhaus philosophy.

This major new exhibition presents around 100 key works, including a host of significant national and international loans. Together, they illustrate how Ruskin and Morris’ thinking influenced the Bauhaus and explore the school’s important links to the Arts & Crafts movement.

Pioneers goes on display in Sheffield, a city with a rich history of expert, small-scale production and a global reputation for excellence in making. It’s also home to the Guild of St George’s unique collection of art and artefacts brought to the city by John Ruskin to inspire the many skilled craftspeople in its workforce.

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Millennium Gallery

Millennium Gallery, 48 Arundel Gate, S1 2PP

Open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 11am–4pm.

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