Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by The Blake Society

John Riordan @johnnyriordan.bsky.social · 4d

In case I haven’t already mentioned it, I’m serialising LOS, my graphic novel about William Blake, on substack.
First 12 pages are free, then each month I’ll add more pages for paid subscribers, fresh from the drawing board.
open.substack.com/pub/loshighw...

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · 7d

Hear the voice of the Bard! on #NationalPoetryDay

'My first Vision of Light'

Reposted by The Blake Society

John Riordan @johnnyriordan.bsky.social · 8d

Latest pages from LOS, my work-in-progress graphic novel about William Blake, now up at loshighway.substack.com/p/los-part-3
Thanks to everyone who's subscribed to support this project so far!

LOS part 3

open.substack.com

6 7

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · 8d

Infinite Liberty: Georges Bataille reading Blake in Postwar France - join us on zoom next Wednesday 8 October, 7:30 PM for Stuart Kendall's talk on the influence of Blake on French philosopher, Georges Bataille.
More info and FREE registration at blakesociety.org/product/infi...

Infinite Liberty: Georges Bataille reading Blake in Postwar France - The Blake Society

Stuart Kendall discusses the influence of Blake on French philiosopher, Georges Bataille.

Philip Hoare - William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love - The Blake Society

Reposted by The Blake Society

John Riordan @johnnyriordan.bsky.social · 24d

Here's my latest substack malarkey, in which I catch up on some recent 'Blake Bollocks' and then describe how I printed the chapter titles of my WIP Blake graphic novel on a replica 18th century printing press in Houston.
Read and subscribe! etc.
open.substack.com/pub/loshighw...

1 2 7

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · 28d

Thanks to @philiphoare.bsky.social for such a fascinating conversation last night on his book, William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love.

If you missed the event you can submerge yourself in a video here blakesociety.org/product/phil...

Acclaimed author Philip Hoare joins us to discuss his new book, William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love.

David Bowie's final project was a musical set in London - BBC News

4 4 7

Reposted by The Blake Society

John Riordan @johnnyriordan.bsky.social · Sep 5

Of course Bowie was working on a musical set in the 18th century! And there was going to be something about the ‘Gorden’ Riots - surely Blake would have got a look in? www.bbc.com/news/article... @philiphoare.bsky.social @andyw23.bsky.social

Shortly before his death, the star wrote dozens of notes for a musical set in 18th Century London.

www.bbc.com

1 8

Reposted by The Blake Society

John Riordan @johnnyriordan.bsky.social · Sep 4

I’m 3/4 of the way through this brilliant, sprawling behemoth of a book, all about Blake and the artists, writers and weirdos who followed in his wake. I’ll be talking to @philiphoare.bsky.social next Wednesday 10 Sept on zoom with @blakesociety.bsky.social Join us!
blakesociety.org/product/phil...

2 8

Reposted by The Blake Society

blakecottagetrust.bsky.social @blakecottagetrust.bsky.social · Sep 3

Blakefest 2025 celebrates visionary poet William Blake on 27–28 September in Felpham and Bognor Regis.
Events include theatrical performances, guided walks, and live music, starting near Blake’s restored cottage.
Visit the website for further details: blakefest.co.uk

1 3

Reposted by The Blake Society

John Riordan @johnnyriordan.bsky.social · Sep 2

As it’s dawned on me just how long it's going to take to draw my ludicrously ambitious graphic novel about William Blake, I've decided to serialise it on Substack (and try to at least part-finance its creation)

You can read the first 12 pages and subscribe for more
open.substack.com/pub/loshighway

LOS HIGHWAY | John Riordan | Substack

John Riordan's work-in-progress, serialised graphic novel about visionary poet and artist, William Blake. Click to read LOS HIGHWAY, by John Riordan, a Substack publication. Launched 3 hours ago.

open.substack.com

5 7

Reposted by The Blake Society

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Aug 21

We're delighted to announce that on Wednesday 10 September at 19:00 (UK time) we'll be talking to @philiphoare.bsky.social on zoom about his extraordinary new book, William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love. Join us by registering (for free) at blakesociety.org/product/phil...

Philip Hoare - William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love - The Blake Society

Acclaimed author Philip Hoare joins us to discuss his new book, William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love.

Philip Hoare - William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love - The Blake Society

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Aug 21

We're delighted to announce that on Wednesday 10 September at 19:00 (UK time) we'll be talking to @philiphoare.bsky.social on zoom about his extraordinary new book, William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love. Join us by registering (for free) at blakesociety.org/product/phil...

Acclaimed author Philip Hoare joins us to discuss his new book, William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love.

Meeting at Blake's Grave - The Blake Society

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Aug 12

William Blake died on this day in 1827. Before his death, he said: 'I am going to that country which I have all my life wished to see'

Graveside Gathering - Sat 16 August, 12 noon at Bunhill Fields - our celebration of Blake's life and work

All are welcome! More at blakesociety.org/product/blak...

Join us to mark the anniversary of William Blake's death and to celebrate his life and work.

William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love—A New Book by Phillip Hoare

3

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Aug 12

We'll be talking to Philip about his remarkable book in September. Watch this space for more details!

Philip Hoare @philiphoare.bsky.social · Aug 12

After seven decades bearing witness to innocence and experience, William Blake left the planet on this day, 1827

@blakesociety.bsky.social

www.dailyartmagazine.com/william-blak...

Book review of William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love by Philip Hoare which looks at the life and legacy of the artist.

www.dailyartmagazine.com

Interview with John Riordan, graphic novelist and biographer

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Aug 2

You can now watch Dr Rebecca Marks' fascinating talk on Blake's lost painting of The Last Judgment at blakesociety.org/product/last...

1 1

Reposted by The Blake Society

John Riordan @johnnyriordan.bsky.social · Jul 2

Did this fun interview with art blogger extraordinaire Rebecca Marks about my Blake mania and book-in-progress. Includes bonus portrait of me with big hair before I got too hot and shaved it all off

open.substack.com/pub/cultured...

Drawing William Blake

open.substack.com

1 3

Reposted by The Blake Society

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Jun 16

We've added a few extra places to the afternoon and evening session for Blake Society Members to try printing in the infernal manner. This is your LAST CHANCE to nab a place with Blake scholar and master printer, Michael Phillips. See below for more details and booking link...

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Jun 2

MEMBERS ONLY - Blake Printmaking Workshop on Tuesday 15 July, 14:00-16:30, or 18:00-20:30, at Morley College, £85. A rare chance to take part in a hands-on workshop with renowned Blake scholar and master printmaker, Michael Phillips. Log in for info and booking at blakesociety.org/product/prin...

Blake Printmaking Workshop - The Blake Society

Hands-on printmaking workshop with renowned Blake scholar and master printmaker, Michael Phillips.

Blake Printmaking Workshop - The Blake Society

Reposted by The Blake Society

John Riordan @johnnyriordan.bsky.social · Jun 27

When he was 8 or 9 young William Blake saw a tree filled with angels on Peckham Rye.

This weekend I’ll be selling a print of this angelic encounter, and the 1st issue of my Blake comic, just up the road at our Open Studios, Bussey Building, Copeland Park, Sat & Sun 28-29 June, 11 - 5. Come say hi!

1 10 21

Reposted by The Blake Society

David Mullin @davidmullinhere.bsky.social · Jun 26

Because it's how I feel
@blakesociety.bsky.social

1 4

Reposted by The Blake Society

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Jun 9

Last few tickets for this rare chance to learn about Blake's printing techniques in a hands-on session with Michael Phillips. Follow the link below to log in and book your place...

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Jun 2

MEMBERS ONLY - Blake Printmaking Workshop on Tuesday 15 July, 14:00-16:30, or 18:00-20:30, at Morley College, £85. A rare chance to take part in a hands-on workshop with renowned Blake scholar and master printmaker, Michael Phillips. Log in for info and booking at blakesociety.org/product/prin...

Hands-on printmaking workshop with renowned Blake scholar and master printmaker, Michael Phillips.

The Urizen-Haunted World: Reconciling Blake and Science - The Blake Society

Reposted by The Blake Society

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Jun 23

Looking forward to Matthew Leporati's talk on Blake and science this Wednesday evening, 25 June, on zoom. Follow the link below to book your free place👇

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Jun 2

The Urizen-Haunted World: Reconciling Blake and Science - Wed 25 June 2025, 19:30 (UK time) on zoom.
Blake is often seen as an anti-science thinker, but Matthew Leporati will suggest that his approach to science and truth is much more nuanced. Info & free booking at blakesociety.org/product/uriz...

Matthew Leporati will discuss Blake’s surprisingly nuanced attitude towards science.

The Last Judgement: Blake’s Lost History Painting - The Blake Society

Reposted by The Blake Society

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Jun 23

NEW EVENT - The Last Judgement: Blake’s Lost History Painting, Wed 23 July, 19:30 (UK time) - Rebecca Marks will reconstruct what Blake’s 'Last Judgment' and consider how this changes our thinking about Blake as a cultural figure. More details & free registration at blakesociety.org/product/last...

Rebecca Marks reconstructs Blake's lost painting of The Last Judgment.

The Last Judgement: Blake’s Lost History Painting - The Blake Society

1 1

Reposted by The Blake Society

William Blake @williamblake.bsky.social · Jun 23

The Temple of Mirth, after Thomas Stothard http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/blake-the-temple-of-mirth-after-thomas-stothard-t07048

1 3

The Blake Society @blakesociety.bsky.social · Jun 23

NEW EVENT - The Last Judgement: Blake’s Lost History Painting, Wed 23 July, 19:30 (UK time) - Rebecca Marks will reconstruct what Blake’s 'Last Judgment' and consider how this changes our thinking about Blake as a cultural figure. More details & free registration at blakesociety.org/product/last...

Rebecca Marks reconstructs Blake's lost painting of The Last Judgment.