The collection includes letters to Thomas Griffith, art dealer and collector of Norwood, England, from artists, collectors, and other social and intellectual leaders; a letter, 1854, from Griffith to F. H. Fawkes; a letter, 1854, from John Ruskin (1819-1900) to Fawkes; and eight letters, 1868-1869, from Ruskin to Griffith's daughter about his friendship with Griffith. The letters to Griffith include twelve, 1841-1868 and undated, from John Ruskin concerning English art and artists, especially J. M. W. Turner, Ruskin's writings, Ruskin's marital affairs, and other matters. There are also three from the English painter William Evans (1798-1877), including a pen-and-ink and a watercolor illustration. Subjects discussed in other letters include the estate of J. M. W. Turner, Ruskin's marital affairs, various paintings, and arrangements for visits.
