Contents
William Blake
Creating visionary poems and images, including The Tyger and Songs of Innocence and of Experience.
Illuminated printing · Romantic poetry
- Born
- 28 November 1757
- Birthplace
- London, England
- Died
- 12 August 1827
More people
William Blake
William Blake was an English poet, engraver and painter who built a highly individual imaginative world. Largely overlooked in his lifetime, he joined words and images in books he designed and printed himself.
Early life
London childhood
He grew up in Soho, where his parents encouraged his interest in drawing.
An engraver’s training
Apprenticed to James Basire in 1772, he learned skills that supported both his livelihood and his art.
Career
- 1779
Independent engraving
After his apprenticeship he studied briefly at the Royal Academy and worked as an engraver.
- 1780s
A new printing method
He developed relief etching to combine his writing and designs on the same plate.
- 1789–1794
Songs
He produced the paired Songs of Innocence and of Experience.
- Later years
Prophetic works and illustration
He pursued complex visionary books and major illustrations, including work for the Book of Job.
Selected work
Songs of Innocence and of Experience
Paired poems explore contrasting states of human perception.
The Marriage of Heaven and Hell
A provocative work challenges conventional divisions of reason, desire and morality.
Jerusalem
His extended illuminated poem develops an elaborate myth of spiritual liberation.
Beyond work
Catherine Blake
His wife helped print and colour his books, becoming an essential working partner.
Recognition
A small circle of younger admirers supported him late in life; his wider reputation grew after his death.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗Life and work ↗Photo: Thomas Phillips. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
