As part of our recent study of William Blake, Year 8 students have dived into the rich, thought-provoking poetry of this iconic 18th-century poet and artist. Blake’s works, particularly his collections Songs of Innocence and of Experience, have provided a fascinating exploration of contrasting ideas. Most notably, students have explored his famous poems, including The Lamb, The Tyger, The Echoing Green, and London, all of which grapple with complex themes like innocence versus experience, joy and sorrow, and the beauty of nature alongside the harsh realities of life.
One of Blake’s unique artistic qualities is his ability to capture the extremes of human experience, often in the same work. This has inspired our Year 8 set 1 students to produce some truly imaginative and visually striking pastiches of Blake’s poetry. The pastiches reflect their own interpretations and creative ideas, while still drawing on the key themes and stylistic elements of Blake’s poems.
Among the standout concepts that students have developed are Harmony vs Chaos, Butterfly vs Moth, and Fairytale vs Reality. Each student has taken inspiration from Blake’s contrasting visions and applied them to modern interpretations of life, nature, and the fantastical. The juxtaposition of light and dark, innocence and experience is echoed in these creations, with some students choosing to illustrate the delicate balance between beauty and destruction, while others have explored the conflict between idealism and harsh truth.
What makes these pastiches so exciting is the range of ideas and the originality that has emerged. Whether it’s the delicate beauty of a butterfly representing innocence and freedom, contrasted with the shadowy moth symbolising experience and the inevitability of change, or the clash between the dream-like nature of fairytales and the grounded reality we face every day, our students have shown an incredible ability to bring Blake’s themes into the present day.
In addition to their poetic pastiches, students have also worked on stunning visual artwork inspired by Blake’s illustrations. Many of these pieces incorporate Blake’s signature style—bold, vivid imagery and intricate symbolism—while also infusing their own artistic flair.
We are extremely proud of the creativity and hard work demonstrated by Year 8. Their pastiches not only show a deep understanding of Blake’s work but also a remarkable ability to adapt his ideas and apply them to their own unique visions.
Miss Garlick
English Department