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William Blake: Visionary Poet and Artist
English poet, painter and printmaker, born in London on 28 November 1757
William Blake was born in Soho, London, on 28 November 1757, the son of a hosier. He trained as an engraver and studied at the Royal Academy schools.
With his wife Catherine, he produced books using his own relief etching technique, printing and colouring every copy by hand. His works include Songs of Innocence and of Experience and The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.
He lived in poverty for much of his life and was largely unknown when he died in 1827. Today his poems, including The Tyger, and his paintings are celebrated, with major collections at Tate Britain.
Career highlights
- 1757Born in London
- 1772Apprenticed to an engraver
- 1779Royal Academy schools: begins formal art training
- 1789Songs of Innocence: first illuminated book
- 1794Songs of Experience: includes The Tyger
- 1800Moves to Felpham: on the Sussex coast
- 1804Milton: includes the lines later known as Jerusalem
- 1827Dies in London: largely unrecognised
Did you know?He believed he was guided by the spirit of his younger brother Robert, who died young, in developing his printing method.
