Born on 28 November 1757, William Blake was a visionary English poet, painter and printmaker who remains a singular figure in the history of British art and literature. Throughout his life, he developed a unique creative process that seamlessly integrated his poetry with intricate visual imagery, resulting in highly original illuminated books that challenged the artistic conventions of his time.

Blake is perhaps best remembered for his profound collections, most notably Songs of Innocence and of Experience. These works offered a complex exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of childhood, spirituality, social oppression and the transformative power of the imagination. His writing often reflected his deep-seated dissatisfaction with contemporary societal structures and his own deeply personal, mystical worldview.

Although he received little recognition during his lifetime, Blake is now celebrated as a central figure of the Romantic era. His work bridged the gap between literary expression and visual art, leaving a lasting legacy that has influenced generations of writers, artists and thinkers. He continued to create until his death on 12 August 1827, maintaining his commitment to his distinctively visionary style throughout his career.

• Pioneered the technique of relief etching to combine text and image.
• Explored the duality of innocence and experience in his most famous poetry.
• Maintained a lifelong focus on themes of spirituality and social justice.
• Established himself as a seminal figure in Romantic-era literature and art.
• Created a vast body of work that was largely unappreciated by his contemporaries.