William Blake author page

William Blake biography

William Blake was an English poet, painter, and printmaker. He is recognised as a seminal figure in the history of both poetry and visual arts of the Romantic Age. Blake was born in London and trained as an engraver before publishing his own illustrated works.

Blake’s first collection, Poetical Sketches, appeared in 1783. He is known for his unique method of relief etching, which he called “illuminated printing,” combining text and hand-coloured illustrations. His major works include Songs of Innocence (1789), Songs of Experience (1794), The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (circa 1790–1793), and The Book of Urizen (1794). Blake’s poetry often features visionary themes and symbolic imagery.

Blake’s illustrated books, such as America a Prophecy (1793) and Jerusalem The Emanation of the Giant Albion (1804–1820), are noted for their integration of text and image. His work was not widely recognised during his lifetime, but he is now regarded as a major influence on later writers and artists.

Blake’s original manuscripts and prints are held in collections including the British Museum and the Tate Gallery. In 2002, Blake was placed at number 38 in the BBC’s poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.