William Blake’s Cottage Nears Museum Status: Where ‘Jerusalem’ Was Written
The transformation of the picturesque cottage once inhabited by the artist and poet William Blake into a museum is moving forward after securing funding to repair its at-risk thatched roof. Blake lived in the house in Sussex, UK, with his wife Catherine Boucher for three years, where he created works such as his famous poem “Jerusalem”.
The cottage, located in Felpham village, was acquired by the Blake Cottage Trust in 2015. However, it has fallen into disrepair over the past decade, with issues including the roof, rotting rafters, and crumbling walls. Funding of £55,000 has been raised from various organizations to cover the roof repairs, marking a significant step towards restoring the building and opening it to the public.
Plans for the restoration, overseen by a board of trustees appointed in early 2024, will proceed in stages according to the Blake Cottage Trust. The goal is to secure the fabric of the building first, followed by the restoration of the cottage and garden to reflect Blake’s time. Ultimately, there are plans to create a new building on the grounds that will serve as a center dedicated to the lives, work, and legacy of the Blakes, with an estimated cost of £4m.
William Blake, a prolific artist and poet, is celebrated for his idiosyncratic and allegorical creations. His Romantic style drew on philosophical, mythological, and religious themes to respond to contemporary society. A retrospective at Tate Britain in 2019 showcased some of his most famous pieces, shedding light on his personal story and creative process.
Blake began his epic poem “Milton” at the Felpham cottage, featuring “Jerusalem”, which later became an unofficial English national anthem. The chair of the Blake Cottage Trust, Doug Nicholls, emphasizes the significance of preserving Blake’s legacy and creating an inspirational center for artists and students alike. The goal is to celebrate all of Blake’s art forms and thoughts, inspiring future generations to create meaningful work.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.