William+Blake

William Blake, an English poet, was born November 28, 1757, and lived until August 12, 1827. Although Blake was not widely recognized or appreciated until after his death, he was a very talented painter and printmaker. A poet during the Romantic Age, he expressed thoughts of nature and personal reflection through his written works and paintings. As a child, William never attended school, but was tutored along with his five siblings at home by his mother. His paintings and written works were all largely inspired by the Bible. Noticed for his skill, Blake became the apprentice of a famous engraver named Basir in 1772. In 1778, he became a professional engraver, and met his future wife, Catherine Boucher. Blake published one of his most famous compilations of poems in 1794, //Songs of Innocence and Experience//, from which "The Tyger" is taken. After a life filled with beautiful artwork and poetry, he died in 1827, leaving his wife, who followed soon after in 1831. They are now buried together in London, England. He is still greatly admired today for his wonderful works.

[|The William Blake Page]