In January of this year, it was announced that student-researchers from the University of Manchester had discovered at the university’s John Rylands Library a wealth of about 350 engraved plates, all identified as having been done by William Blake. A quintessential British Romantic poet, Blake is well known for his Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience, was also quite the artist. Many of his poems were accompanied by his own beautiful and vivid illustrations. Though his poetry was not as well received in his time as it is today, he did enjoy some success in his lifetime as a commercial artist, thus the trove of newly discovered illustrations. 

It was reported that, though the Rylands Library had long been a home for some of Blake’s artwork, it was suspected by professors and library staff that many more of his engravings were hidden throughout the stacks. The students who made the discovery, led by art historian and Blake expert Colin Trodd, spent two years performing the search. The plates will be on display at the Rylands Library from early February through June 23. The exhibition is called “ ‘Burning Bright’: William Blake and Art of the Book.” Included in the new collection are illustrations Blake did for an edition of Virgil’s Pastorals and many of his commercial works. 

More information: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/hundreds-of-lost-william-blake-etchings-discovered-at-a-manchester-library-8460784.html