Blake, William: William Blake

William Blake was born in 1757, the son of a Soho shopkeeper. He showed an early interest in art, engraving copies of drawings given to him by his father. At 21 he became a professional engraver, and later a studied at the Royal Academy. As well as painting, Blake illustrated collections of his own poetry. He is best known for 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', 'The Tyger' and the artworks 'The Ancient of Days' and 'Newton'. In 2021, The Tate held a sell-out exhibition of his work.