Christ Blessing the Little Children

1780–1808

Exhibits six times at the Royal Academy

Despite his antagonism towards Reynolds, Blake submitted works to the Royal Academy on six occasions between 1780 and 1808.

1800

Moves to Felpham for his patron Hayley

In 1800 Blake moved to a cottage at Felpham, in Sussex, to take up a job illustrating the works of William Hayley, a minor poet.

21 September 1800

A letter to Flaxman: more spirituality in Felpham

In a letter to John Flaxman of 21 September 1800 Blake calls Felpham a fine place for study: there is more spirituality there than in London, and Heaven opens on all sides. He says that for his works he is honoured in Heaven more than he could have thought.

1800–1803

Disenchantment with his patron Hayley

Over time Blake came to resent his patron, believing that Hayley was uninterested in true artistry and preoccupied with “the meer drudgery of business”. This disenchantment has been speculated to have influenced “Milton”, where Blake wrote that “Corporeal Friends are Spiritual Enemies”.

September 1800 – September 1803 · Wirkungsort

Felpham