The greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to see something and tell what it saw in a plain way. Hundreds of people can talk for one who can think, but thousands can think for one who can see. To see clearly is poetry, prophecy and religion, all in one. - John Ruskin Seeing Beauty will take the Ruskin collection and the intrinsic value of all it contains and bring added value by enabling audiences to use the collection as a lens through which to see the world around them. Seeing Beauty aims to increase visitor engagement with the Ruskin collection by creating learning and display spaces that are fit for purpose, that are welcoming and inclusive, that are physically, emotionally and intellectually accessible and that encourage visitors to confidently engage with the collections through contemplation, discovery and study. The Collection of the Guild of St George (The Ruskin Collection) Ruskin created the collection to ‘brighten, strengthen, refine and form living spirits’ in the working man and woman. He intended it to be part of a ‘national store’ of wealth and beauty, and a source of ‘liberal education’ that was to improve the lives of everyone, whatever their age or background. His ambition was that the collection would bring beauty to the people; and that through seeing beauty in the world around them workers would find the inspiration to nurture their creativity and enhance their learning. The Ruskin collection continues to enjoy international, national and local appeal and has enormous potential to touch peoples’ lives. Nevertheless, recent evidence suggests that the Ruskin Gallery is currently the least visited space in the Millennium Gallery with only 9% of a total 690,966 visitors to the building stepping through its doors in 2007 - 2008. Audience development research has given Museums Sheffield a clear sense of how visitors use the spaces, what their needs are, and what we need to do to improve the cross-over between visitors to the building and visitors to the gallery itself. The galleries are relatively modern, yet we know that the Ruskin Gallery in particular is not fit for purpose. It is time for a radical re-think of the significant contribution that the Ruskin collection can make to the cultural life of Sheffield and its people. Connections Investment is in place to support this as a strategic priority through the current Renaissance in the Regions Business Plan and Museums Sheffield’s strategic planning process. Seeing Beauty is the first step in a longer term plan to embed the ethos and values of Ruskin’s thinking across the site and to develop a stronger identity and connection between the Ruskin, Metalwork and Craft & Design Galleries and the Learning Centre. The project will also build a clear interface between the Gallery, the Avenue and the adjacent Winter Garden by creating an engaging shop-window hinting at the treasures contained within and drawing people into the space. The project will link into the high profile Ruskin Triennial exhibition programme, enhance our partnership with the Guild of St George, enable us to extend our work with the Youth Forum and Sheffield’s universities and sustain our partnership with Ruskin Mill, Freeman College.