Children's Web Magazine

 

It was the 250th anniversary of the birth of William Blake in November 2007.
He was an artist and a poet. He is perhaps best known for the hymn Jerusalem. His parents James and Catherine Blake were to poor to really send him to school. They had at least 6 children together. He did however learn to read and write. For a brief time he went to drawing school.
His talent then got him work as an apprentice to an engraver at the age of 14. After 7 years he had completed his apprenticeship. He was a student of the Royal Academy although he didn't enjoy his time there. He was inspired by great artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael.
He married Catherine Boucher in 1782. Sadly they were unable to have any children but were very happy together.
In 1783 his first poems were published. He then set up his own print shop earning his living as an engraver.
In 1789 he published songs of Innocence a collection of his poems and drawings. Then 5 years later came songs of experience.
In the early 1800's he wrote the poem Milton from this Jerusalem came. He also did illustrations for great literary works including Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, John Milton's Paradise Lost and Dante Alighieri's (the Italian poet and philosopher) Divine Comedy.
Blake never had much money and when he died on the 12th August 1827. His wife wasn't able
to pay the cost of his funeral and had to be lent the money. He was buried in an unmarked grave in London.
© Children's Web Magazine 2008