Campaign to Open William Blake’s London Home Gains Momentum

The Grosvenor Estate, owner of the surviving London residence where William Blake lived, is currently undertaking a careful restoration of the property at 17 South Molton Street. Advocates say the leasehold could be purchased and the house transformed into a museum that highlights Blake’s literary and artistic legacy.

The Guardian

Richard Clemmow, a trustee of the Blake Cottage Trust, has argued that Blake’s cottage in Felpham, Sussex, is the only residence that could ever be opened to the public. The William Blake Congregation, represented by Helen Elwes and Stephen Micalef, disputes this view, asserting that the London house is not “disappearing behind new development” and can be made accessible with appropriate support.

The Guardian

The Congregation reports backing from a coalition that includes Mayor Sadiq Khan, Tate Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum, English Heritage, and thousands of Blake enthusiasts who have signed petitions and sent letters to the Duke of Westminster. These efforts have been directed toward the Grosvenor Group/Grosvenor Property UK to secure the leasehold and advance the museum project.

The Guardian

• 18 August (occurred): The Guardian published an editorial on writers’ houses.

The Guardian

• 25 August (occurred): Richard Clemmow responded in a letter to the editorial.

The Guardian

• 12 August (scheduled): Organizers hope the restored London house can open to the public in time for the bicentenary of Blake’s death next year.

The Guardian

The William Blake Congregation describes the initiative as gaining momentum, noting that continued negotiations and public support could enable the house to welcome visitors for the 12 August bicentenary. If the leasehold is acquired and restoration is completed as planned, the site would join Blake’s Felpham cottage as a publicly accessible cultural landmark.

The Guardian