Building on the success of the Ruskin Roadshow, this project focuses on exploring the legacy of John Ruskin by utilising Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide a unique platform to display and explore his works. . The event, for alumni and stakeholders, showcased bespoke VR experiences, combining works from The Ruskin Whitehouse Collection with VR technology and student innovation. Presenting works from The Collection through the immersive experiences of AR and VR highlights the ongoing relevance of Ruskin’s ideas – from education to environmentalism – to the challenges of today’s modern world.

As well as showcasing VR experiences, The Ruskin also exhibited a range of AR experiences using iPads with specially designed postcards displaying related works from The Collection.

Additionally, in collaboration with LU’s Innovation Team, The Ruskin developed two short films for the event: this included a film about the development of the VR experience itself, with interviews from the student developers involved; and a film showcasing The Ruskin’s Digital Collection Platform, including the use of Turning Page Books software for the presentation of Ruskin’s manuscripts, and the use of IIIF images, which allow for the comparison of images and objects across other digital collections, and facilitates the joining-up of digital collections of Ruskin material worldwide.