Thirteenth International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

The growth, transformation and proliferation of cities in the nineteenth century ensured that their condition would both be of critical importance for global civilization and that they might be regarded as living signposts of stages of social development. John Ruskin (1819-1900) arguably Victorian Britain’s most significant cultural critic made the cities—particularly Venice, London and Florence—departure points for an agenda which included the renewal of British culture and society. Ruskin drew from these cities to challenge audiences in Bradford, Manchester and Sheffield to rethink their understanding of society and culture. This paper explores Ruskin’s utilization of historical urban landscapes to define cultural change, which in turn informed his museological thought. Even though Ruskin was shaped by encounters with museums which had restricted access, his conception of the museum highlighted its value as a public asset. Ruskin’s efforts meant that British museums were at once to be more inclusive, but also to be places where the nation’s values might be enshrined, so that they would be seen and better understood. Urban history and transformation pointed to the content of British museums, while underscoring the need for greater inclusion. Last, the paper will also consider the implications of using the museum to support public welfare—in both nation and empire–for better recognizing the breadth of cultural expression and the making of British soft power.