1757 - 1827
An English poet, painter and printmaker. Perhaps best known for his self illuminated work 'Songs of Innocence and Experience.' Blake showed an early talent for painting and was apprenticed to James Basire, who specialised in antiquarian subjects. He was known as a visionary, composed his own poems and invented a type of relief etching for his publications. In later years his singular vision influenced a younger generation of artists including Samuel Palmer and Henry Fuseli. He staged a one-man show in 1809 but this proved unsuccessful in gaining him public recognition. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1780 and then periodically until 1808.
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