William BlakeWilliam Blake was born on 28 November 1757 in London, England. He was best known as an English poet, visionary, painter and printmaker. Largely unrecognized during his lifetime, Blake's work is today considered important and significant in the history of both 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 a daughter and six sons, two of whom died in infancy. Blake's father, James, was a hosier. He never attended school, having been educated at home by his mother. The Bible had a great and early influence on Blake and would remain a source of inspiration throughout his life. Blake's father bought him antiques, and Blake began engraving Greek drawings. His parents realized that regular school wasn't for him, so they sent him for drawing lessons. He studied the subjects that interested him and soon began studying and writing poetry. On 4 August 1772 Blake became apprenticed to the engraver James Basire of Great Queen Street, for a period of seven years. At the age of 21 he would become a professional printmaker. In 1778 Blake became a student at the Royal Academy at Old Somerset House, near the Strand. Although the terms of his study required no payment, he was expected 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. . During this time, Blake was getting over a relationship that had ended with her rejection of his marriage proposal. Blake married Catherine on 18 August 1782 at St. Mary's Church, Battersea. His wife Catherine was illiterate and signed it with the letter “x” on the marriage document. Blake taught Catherine to read, write and even engrave. In 1788, at the age of 31, Blake began to try relief engraving, a method he used to produce most of his books, paintings, pamphlets, and poems, including his longer "prophecies." and his masterpiece, the "Bible". Blake and Catherine's marriage lasted until his death. They had few arguments, including the issue of having children and the fact that Catherine was illiterate.