John Ruskin Viewpoint
Ruskin Waterfall, Glen Finglas
Ruskin Rock, Brig o’ Turk
Known as Ruskin Rock, or John Ruskin Viewpoint, this Trossachs landmark is one of the many examples of the impact on the area by the Victorian poets, artists and writers that flocked here, mainly in response to Sir Walter Scott’s poem Lady of the Lake published in 1810.
Trossachs History
Please read our guide to Trossachs History for a flavour of these characters. Ruskin Rock has only been discovered in relatively recent times. The rock represents the location on the Glen Finglas waterfall where John Ruskin (1819-1900), an influential art critic of the nineteenth century, chose to have his portrait painted.
Where is Ruskin Rock?
The location of Ruskin Rock is shown below. Ruskin Rock or Viewpoint is part of Glen Finglas, which is within The Great Trossachs Forest. It can be reached through Brig o’ Turk and Glen Finglas Road. It is close to the Glen Finglas Reservoir and can also be included in the walk along the orange way markered trail from Glen Finglas Visitor Centre to Lendrick Hill and Dam.
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Ruskin Rock, Information Board
Portrait By John Millais
The portrait of John Ruskin was painted in 1853 (see picture above) by John Millais, capturing both Ruskin’s personality with his love of nature thanks to the dramatic backdrop of the falls. As the information board on the site explains, Ruskin was an early environmentalist, suggesting that everything should connect with nature. Ruskin and Millais had spent 1853 together at Glen Finglas.
A Victorian Scandal at Glen Finglas
This story doesn’t end with the completed painting; the artist John Millais fell in love with Ruskin’s wife, Effie, whilst working on the portrait. Effie had been helping the men whilst spending some time reading and sketching at Glen Finglas.
Despite their seven years of marriage, it had not been consummated, which Effie alleges was due to Ruskin’s impotence, something he was to deny. The marriage was annulled, and Millais and Effie were married.
Glen Finglas Waterfall
Effie Gray
An all-star cast appeared in Emma Thomson’s 2014 film Effie Gray, which told the story of her unhappy marriage to John Ruskin. The scandalous story of John Ruskin, Effie Gray and John Millais gripped the nation in the 1800s.
The location of the painting was thought to have been lost when the dam was introduced in 1965. However, there are various claims of re-discovery of the rock ranging from 1993 to 2010. Thankfully it is now clearly signed with the interpretation board shown in the photograph to tell what is a fascinating tale.
John Ruskin Portrait
The picture completed in 1854 is oil on canvas and is on display at Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England.
Thanks for reading
Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.
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