William Blake’s cottage is saved and turned into a new museum

A dilapidated English cottage rented by William Blakethe acclaimed 18th century Romantic poet, is about to get a much-needed makeover. Eventually, after crews finish restoring the structure, it will open as a public museum.

Located in the quaint village of Felpham in West Sussex, the cottage has fallen into disrepair over the past decade, with problems ranging from rotting rafters to crumbling walls. Three charities – the World Monuments Fundthe Foyle Foundation And Foulerton Charitable Trust– helped raise emergency funds to save and protect the roof.

“William Blake remains one of the most influential poets, philosophers, artists and printers in the world,” said Doug Nicholls, chairman of the Blake Cottage Trusttells the Art newspaper‘S Alexander Morrison. “He still inspires tens of thousands.”

Doug Nicholls on Blake’s Cottage SD 480p

Blake was not widely celebrated during his lifetime. But after his death in 1827, his unique style, characterized by vivid imagery, became a cornerstone of Romantic literature. He is perhaps best known for his poetry collection, Songs about innocence and experience. Earlier this summer, a rare copy of the collection that Blake illustrated and printed with his wife was released: Catherine Bouchersold for one record-breaking $4.3 million.

The next phase of the renovation – replacing the rotting rafters and thatched roof – will cost more than $230,000, according to sources. Artnet‘s Jo Lawson-Tancred. “You can see that the roof and ceiling are actually almost collapsing,” Nicholls said in an interview. video. “The rafters across the street are being eaten by beetles, and many of them have broken off.”

Blake and Boucher lived in the cottage for three years from 1800. During this time, the poet began to write a book. epic poem about John Miltonthe author of Paradise lost. In the foreword Blake included a poem entitled “And that’s what those feet did in ancient times”, which is now known as the hymn “Jerusalem” and is considered that of England unofficial national anthem.

Indeed, Blake was inspired by the countryside around him as he wrote lines such as: “And did those feet in ancient times / Walk on the English mountains green: / And was the holy Lamb of God seen, / On the pleasant meadows of England seen! “

English hymn Jerusalem by William Blake.

Together, the organizations have raised more than $72,000 to preserve the house and turn it into a public space. However, there is still a long way to go. According to the Telegraph‘s Dalya Alberge, the project has an estimated total cost of more than $5 million.

Once the building is structurally sound, crews will restore it to look exactly as it did when Blake and Boucher lived in it more than 200 years ago – with one notable exception. It will take on new life as a hub for the public to learn about Blake’s literary legacy.

Nicholls tells the Telegraph that the museum will have a replica of Blake’s printing press, and that it will even use virtual reality technology to create a “hologram of Blake and Catherine” or other digital displays.

“We aim to preserve his remaining cottage in Felpham and transform it into an inspirational center that celebrates all his art forms and thoughts and encourages students and artists to create more motivational work,” says Nicholls. Art newspaper.

He adds: “We want the cottage to mean something powerful across the spectrum [of visitors]– from primary school students to acclaimed international artists and literary figures.”