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Birth
William Blake was born in 1757 in the Soho district in London to James and Catherine Blake. He was one of six children. -
Art school
William started drawing school at age ten. He was different as a child and was not sent to conventional school. -
Apprentice
After art school William became an apprentice to an engraver, where he was exposed to Gothic styles that influenced his work in the future. -
Royal Academy
William Blake attended and studied at the Royal Academy -
Marriage
Blake Married Catherine Boucher in 1782. They never had any children. Catherine was illiterate, so Blake quickly taught Catherine how to read, write and later how to draw. -
First printed poems
Blake's first printed poems were called Poetical Sketches. They were a style of apprentice verse poetry. -
William's Father Dies
William's father's death was very devistating for him because his father inspired him to be artistic and to do what he did. -
William's brother dies
Robert Blake dies in the winter of 1787. William claims to have seen his brother's spirit rise up through the ceiling, "clapping its hands for joy." -
"All Religions Are One"
Poem - All Religions are One is published -
"There Is No Natural Religion"
There Is No Natural Religion is published -
"Songs of Innocence"
Songs of Innocence is published -
"The Marriage of Heaven and Hell"
The Marriage of Heaven and Hell is published -
"Visions of the Daughters of Albion"
Poem Visions of the Daughters of Albion is published -
Felltham
In 1800 Blake moved to Felltham, London where he taught himself Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Italian. -
Exhibits works
Blake exhibits his works at the Royal academy and his brother James' house. -
"For the Sexes: The Gates of Paradise"
For the Sexes: The Gates of Paradise is published -
Death
Blake dies in 1827 at the age of 69, leaving a great legacy of works for the people of the world.