William Blake was born in London in 1757 to a poor father who could only afford a basic schooling for the young William - just enough to learn the basics of reading and writing. His talent for drawing was soon picked up upon and at 14 he became an apprentic to engraver James Basire. At 25 he married Catherine Boucher, and together they published a book of Blake's poems and drawings entitled "Songs of Innocence". Click on any picture for a larger view and more details. |