William Blake

Career

Career

Career

The gifted engraver and poet produced his first literary work in 1783, entitled 'Poetical Sketches', which was a compilation of poems written by him.

The following year, in 1784, he started his own workshop, assisted by fellow engraver James Parker and publisher Joseph Johnson. During this time, Blake developed extreme political views, where he condemned class division and slavery in the English society.

In 1784, William wrote 'An Island in the Moon', which remained incomplete till his death.

Eight years later, in 1788, the talented artist began using the process of ‘relief etching’ to produce his poems, accompanied by illustrations. He jotted down the poems on copper planes, and then gave it an illuminating effect.

In 1789, he wrote 'Songs of Innocence', portraying childhood through 19 timeless poetic illustrations including 'The Lamb', and 'The Chimney Sweeper'. 'The Lamb' became the symbol of innocence, drawing similarities with Jesus Christ.

William made pictorial depictions of feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft's book, 'Original Stories from Real Life', in 1791. Though it is still a subject of speculation whether the two writers had really met, there are evidences that they had similar opinions about sexuality and marriage.

In 1793, he wrote 'Daughters of Albion', where he advocated sexual equivalence in marriage, and the rights that married women should have.

As a crusader for human rights and freedom, Blake penned 'Songs of Experience' in 1794, making the poem 'The Tyger', the focal point of the whole collection of 26 verses. The poem is considered to be related to 'The Lamb', where he asks, "Did he who made the Lamb make thee?"

From 1795-99, William produced several popular illustrations and poems, including 'The Night of Enitharmon's Joy', 'Newton', and 'A Negro Hung Alive by the Ribs to a Gallows'. The latter, is a pictorial representation of author John Gabriel Stedman's 'Narrative, of a Five Years' Expedition, against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam', showing his hatred for racial slavery.

Later, the engraver was hired as an illustrator by poet William Hayley, for which the former had to take up residence in Felpham, then Sussex. During his stay in Felpham, in 1804, Blake began writing 'Milton', and 'Jerusalem', the second one being the closest to his heart.

For 'Jerusalem', he initially requested the assistance of art dealer Robert Cromek, expressing his intention to depict Chaucer's characters from the 'Canterbury Tales'. Cromek, instead hired William's childhood friend Thomas Stothard, leaving the enthusiastic poet disheartened and enraged.

In 1809, William exhibited his own interpretation of the concept, giving it the title of 'The Canterbury Pilgrims'. Along with the etchings, he provided a critical analysis of the famous 'Canterbury Tales', as well as its creator Chaucer. However, the display did not have many viewers, and the paintings were bought by none.

In 1826, the exceptional illustrator was given the order of creating etchings of Italian poet Dante Alighieri's masterpiece, 'Divine Comedy'. Blake relentlessly worked on it for a year, including the day he died, producing incomplete but remarkable watercolours and engravings.

Who was William Blake?

Who was William Blake?

Who was William Blake?

William Blake was a famous 18th century English artist, poet and printmaker. The poet was highly inclined towards art, and was always encouraged by his parents. At the age of ten, he was sent to one of the best institutions, so that he could excel in his passion. Later, he trained under printmaker, James Basire, showing innovation and dexterity in the art of etching. He pursued his higher education in painting and illustration from the 'Royal Academy of Arts', where he became more politically and socially conscious. After his father's demise, he began working independently writing and illustrating his own poems, while also working for other famous writers. He established a new technique of engraving, known as relief etching, where the text and its illustrations were illuminated on a copper plate, using a variety of acidic and non-acidic media. Though this poet remained unappreciated throughout his life, he produced many masterpieces, like 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', and 'Daughters of Albion'. He is also famous for his illustrations, particularly his last unfinished project, which is a pictorial representation of renowned poet Dante's literary work, ‘Divine Comedy’. This distinguished writer-illustrator's works have now become the benchmarks for any aspiring artist and poet