Despite the gap between their eras (approximately 200 years), the authors of this blog contend that there is a strong argument for William Blake (1757-1827) and Banksy (c.1973 - ) to say that both have opposed the social, economic and artistic conventions of their time. This blog argues that dissent to conventional norms is the hallmark of both their artistic visions.

This is the second part of a blog on William Blake, the poet, artist and dissenter. In the first part, David McCulloch focussed on Blake’s life, spirituality and verse. In this part, Richard Crawford examines Blake’s religious and political dissent through his art.

This is part one of a two-part blog on William Blake, the renowned artist, poet and dissenter. Part One provides a biography, and looks at his spirituality through his verse, whilst part 2 focusses more on the illustrations and engravings that express his religious and political dissent.