Born almost exactly 100 years apart, the American painter, Andrew Wyeth (1917–2009) and the British critic and amateur artist, John Ruskin (1819–1900) shared a life-long obsession for the close observation and finely rendered imagery of the world around them. This exhibition places the work of Andrew Wyeth and John Ruskin together for the first time, examining their varying approaches to interpreting the natural world.

Andrew Wyeth was the youngest in a family of five children, the son of renowned illustrator, N.C. Wyeth, who recognized his talent and encouraged him to develop his skill. John Ruskin, the only child in a rising middle-class family, was encouraged to make drawings from nature.

As a respected art critic, he became the spokesperson for art of the modern era in Britain and the champion of the artists of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.