For a moment, standing at a certain vantage point in Kirkby Lonsdale, you can feel a connection to history, art, and the very soul of the English countryside. This is Ruskin's View, a panorama so stunning it moved one of the Victorian era's most influential figures, John Ruskin, to declare it "one of the loveliest views in England, therefore in the world."
The view, a sweeping vista of the River Lune valley, has been immortalized not only by Ruskin's words but also by the brush of one of Britain's greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner. His painting, an ethereal depiction of the Cumbrian landscape, captures the essence of the scene looking northwards from St Mary's churchyard, with Underley Hall nestled in the distance. The painting itself is a masterpiece, and in 2012, it fetched a price of over £200,000, a sum that puts it well out of reach for most of us.
But the beauty of Ruskin's View is that you don't need a fortune to own it. You just need to be there. And so, on April 4th, 2015, I did just that. With a simple Polaroid is2132 camera, I aimed to capture my own version of the scene, standing where Turner once stood, and taking in the same "naturally divine" landscape that so captivated Ruskin. The photos I took show the view in two directions—the classic northward vista that inspired Turner, and a couple of shots looking south-east, revealing a different, but equally beautiful, aspect of the valley.
The pictures reveal a tranquil scene: the River Lune, winding like a silver ribbon through lush green fields, with scattered trees and distant hills providing a soft, rolling backdrop. The sky, filled with dramatic clouds, is reflected perfectly in the river's calm surface, creating a mirror image of the heavens on earth. The vibrant yellows of daffodils in the foreground add a touch of cheerful colour, hinting at the promise of spring.
But this timeless view is, sadly, under threat. In late 2015, just months after these pictures were taken, Storm Desmond wreaked havoc on the area, severely damaging the banking that supports the footpath and the viewpoint itself. The area has been closed to the public ever since, a stark reminder of nature's power and fragility. The local town council is now in a race against time, trying to raise £1 million to repair the damage and reopen this beloved spot. The thought of this view being lost for good is heart breaking, not just for the local community but for anyone who cherishes the beauty of the English countryside.
Ruskin's View is more than just a pretty picture; it's a historical and cultural landmark, a place that has inspired generations. It's a reminder of a time when people had a deeper, more profound connection to the natural world. As we wait for the restoration efforts to succeed, these images serve as a precious record of what we stand to lose. Let us hope that this cherished corner of the world is not lost to the elements, and that future generations will be able to stand in the same spot, and feel the same sense of awe that Turner and Ruskin once did.
Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
