He did not sympathize with the socialism that had been creeping into vogue since 1848.

He thought existing social arrangements good, and he agreed with his friends, the Carlyles, who had found that it was only the incapable who could not get work.

But it was the fault of the wealthy and educated that working people were not better trained; it was not the working-men's fault, at bottom.

The modern architect used his workman as a mere tool; while the Gothic spirit set him free as an original designer, to gain--not more wages and higher social rank, but pleasure and instruction, the true happiness that lies in good work well done.
To explain the design of the Oxford Museum and to enlist support, he wrote two letters to Dr.Acland (May 25th, 1858, and January 20th, 1859), which formed part of a small book, reporting its aims and progress, illustrated with an engraving of one of the workmen's capitals.

Ruskin himself contributed both time and money to the work, and his assistance was not unrecognised.