William Blake: Biography & Works

1757: Born on November 28th in London, England, at 28 Broad Street, Soho. 1767: Experienced a vision of celestial beings on Peckham Rye. Attended Henry Pars' drawing school. 1769: Started writing poems at age twelve. 1772: Apprenticed to the engraver James Basire. 1774: Created sketches of old buildings for Basire. 1779: Admitted to the Royal Academy Schools for engraving. 1780: First exhibited works at the Royal Academy. Involved in the Gordon Riots. 1782: Married Catherine Boucher on August 18th at St. Mary’s Church, Battersea. 1788: Publicly acknowledged belief in Emanuel Swedenborg's religious doctrines. 1791: Initiated printing of "The French Revolution" and contributed engravings to Wollstonecraft’s book. 1793: Published a prospectus for the sale of engravings and illuminated books. 1827: Passed away on August 12th at 3 Fountain Court, London, aged 69.