This is Brantwood, home of John Ruskin (1819-1900) the artist, writer and champion of the welfare state. Ruskin absorbed the natural world around him and expressed his talents through paintings and poetry. In 1869 he was Professor of Fine Arts at Oxford and established the Ruskin School of Drawing (wikipedia.org).
The Brantwood Estate is suspended, afloat on the hillside above lake Coniston Water. The house continues his legacy by exhibiting local artist’s work in a gallery. The gardens display the array of inspiration and the footpaths lead to the lakeside.
In January we had a sunny day but the wind was ice cold. I ventured out to take photos from the coast. This island with its ruined castle is magical on clear days. Wrapped up I took some photos and the reward was a hint of sun, a reminder of summer on its way, just 113 days.
Hold on to me
So woes will flee
Fold and entwine
Calmness, be mine
Wrap loving hope
Power to cope
Around my limbs
Like angel wings
Embrace my heart
Never to part
Spring shards of light
Just hold on tight
