William Blake William Blake was born on November 28, 1757 in London, England. He was best known as an English poet, visionary, painter and printmaker. Largely unknown during his lifetime, Blake's work is today considered important and significant in the history of poetry and the visual arts. He was voted 38th in a poll of the 100 Greatest Britons organized by the BBC in 2002. Blake was the third of seven children, consisting of one girl and six boys, two of whom died in infancy. Blake's father, James, was a hosier. He never attended school, being educated at home by his mother. The Bible had an early and important influence on Blake and would remain a source of inspiration throughout his life. Blake's father bought him some antiques, and Blake began carving Greek designs. His parents realized that regular school was not for him, so they sent him to drawing lessons. He studied subjects that interested him and soon began studying and writing poetry. On 4 August 1772 Blake was apprenticed to the engraver James Basire of Great Queen Street, for seven years. At 21, he became a professional engraver. In 1778, Blake became a student at the Royal Academy at Old Somerset House, near the Strand. Although the terms of his study did not require payment, he was required to provide his own materials throughout the six-year period. In 1782, Blake met John Flaxman, who would become his patron, and Catherine Boucher, who would become his wife. . Meanwhile, Blake was recovering from a relationship that ended with his marriage proposal being turned down. Blake married Catherine on 18 August 1782 at St. Mary's Church, Battersea. His wife Catherine was illiterate and on her marriage certificate she signed it with the letter “x”. Blake taught Catherine to read and write as well as engrave. In 1788, at the age of 31, Blake began experimenting with relief engraving, a method he used to produce most of his books, paintings, pamphlets and his poems, including his longest "Prophecies ". and his masterpiece the “Bible”. Blake and Catherine's marriage lasted until death. They had few arguments, particularly over the problem of having children and the fact that Catherine was illiterate...