JOHN Ruskin is regarded as one of the most remarkable men of his time.

Poet, artist, critic, and a pioneering conservationist - who way back in the Victorian age, clearly understood the damage that 'man' was causing to the environment - Ruskin was also a social revolutionary, who challenged the moral foundations of 19th century Britain.

He was a huge influence on subsequent generations and, if he were around now, he could certainly teach 21st century decision-makers a thing or two.

Brantwood was Ruskin's glorious home from 1872 until his death in 1900.

Nestling above Coniston Water with some of the most breathtaking views in the land, down the years the house and its treasures have inspired many an artist and writer.

Last summer, during a week-long stay at Brantwood, it fired the imagination of artist Sonia Rolak, resulting, almost a year on, in her Ruskin's Blue exhibition, running at Brantwood's Severn Studio until June 2.

Last week Sonia and I met at the studio door.

It swung open to reveal a ripple of blue around the walls.

Sonia and the great man himself share the same passions, not least strong concerns for the environment and Venice - where the Polish-born artist has lived since 1982, and a city close to the heart of Ruskin.

The focus of Ruskin Blue is Marghera, a sprawling industrial site on the shores of the laguna visible from central Venice: " Why build it next to such a beautiful city? It's an insidious place.

Because they could throw all the waste into the laguna, that's why."

Marghera is a series of mixed media, watercolour-based images depicting an underlying poisonous landscape, with quotations from the Financial Times worked into the malevolent-looking structures.

"What I'm trying to say is that it's just about money.

Money is replacing our conscience.

"Every philosopher will tell you if you seek only pleasure in life you see only death.

"I'm not against money.

Ruskin was wealthy and knew he was privileged.

He used his privilege to the benefit of other people."

Although Sonia had studied Ruskin years earlier, writer, friend, and well-known art impresario Richard de Marco galvanised her interest.

"I finally discovered Ruskin had the same concerns that some people with the same sensitivities have today.

I share the same views.

These days we only seem to live for today not for the future."

To complement the exhibition examples of traditional materials of vernacular architecture will be on display.

Brantwood is open daily 11am-5.30pm.

For further details contact 015394-41396.