William Blake Biography

William Blake was born to James and Catherine Blake on November 28, 1757. During his early childhood, Blake encountered God in many visions. First he was inspired to become an artist at the age of ten. His parents sent him to drawing school. Admiring many famous artists such as Raphael, Giulio, and others caused him to stay in drawing school for five years. Two years later, he started to write poetry.
At the age of 14, Blake apprenticed with an engraver due to the fact that art school was too expensive for his family. In his seven years there, Blake sketch tombs with variety of Gothic styles. After those seven years, he started back his of art at Royal Academy of Art. William married Catherine Boucher in 1782 and then opened a print shop in 1784. Even though the business didn’t last long, Blake did manage to complete “Island in the Moon”.
Blake return to engraving tombs and tested the waters in illustrating books and magazines. During this time Blake taught his brother Robert how to draw, paint, and engrave. Then Robert fell ill during the winter of 1787 and died. As he died, William saw his brother’s sprit rise up through the ceiling. In 1788, Blake completed his illuminated book “Songs of Innocence”. William believed Robert helped him in learning the printing method of illuminated works and in his book. Then in 1794, he published “Songs of Experience”. “Songs of Innocence” was considered a children’s book due to its illustrating.
Living during the revolutionary times, Blake’s main influences came from his society. Being a nonconformist, many of Blake friends were radical thinkers. Over some time, he became disgusted with the society he lived in. Blake’s religion and political ideas became radical. In 1800, Blake moved to Felpham. While living there, Blake taught himself Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Italian. His religious beliefs became stronger. This prepared him to write more mature writings and paint more mature art.
Blake believed his poetry could be read and understood by common people. But Blake wanted him and his writings to become popular pieces. Before pasting away, Blake final years were spent in poverty but with admiring friends of artists who called themselves “the Ancients”. Dying at the age of 69 in 1827, his family name died with him. Leaving a legacy as a complex man with many artistic talents will remain strong now and in centuries to come.

-http://www.poemhunter.com/william-blake/biography/