The Fitzwilliam’s latest exhibition, ‘William Blake’s Universe’, casts the poet and painter in a new light. Exploring his boundless imagination and influence on various aspects of art and culture, the exhibition conveys a sense of liberation and originality while refusing to be limited by traditional interpretations. Blake’s art is presented in the context of wider European trends including Romanticism, mysticism and the quest for spiritual regeneration. Crucially, we learn how much Blake believed in the transformative power of art to redeem society in times of crisis.

“Blake believed in the transformative power of art to redeem society in times of crisis”

The exhibition got me thinking about how Blake’s revolutionary spirit has influenced the world of fashion. Blake’s thematic preoccupations with nature, spirituality and the human condition offer a rich source of inspiration to fashion’s storytellers. Designers craft narratives through their collections and have drawn upon Blake’s mythic archetypes and allegorical motifs to imbue their creations with depth and meaning. Maharishi’s spring/summer 2019 collection was influenced by Blake’s book, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. This collection connected Blake’s vision with Maharishi’s own ideas about how to achieve a balance between these two contrasting subjects. This contrast is conveyed through designs that reimagine militarised garments using delicate embroidery and Eastern silhouettes.

Blake’s works are rich in motifs such as angels, flowers and fantastical settings that continue to inspire far beyond the realms of literature and visual art. Symbolism and imagery fill Blake’s works and were pivotal in defining him as a pioneer of the Romantic Period. His imagery played a prominent role in shifting public behaviours and perceptions of contemporaneous issues, including war and the Industrial Revolution.

Blake’s use of vibrant colours and contrasting shades also influences modern fashion palettes. Would we be as inclined to experiment with bold hues like lush greens, fiery oranges and deep blues had it not been for the Romantics? Blake’s visionary approach to colour and form resembles contemporary fashion’s exploration of texture, layering and juxtaposition to create visually arresting garments.

As a pioneer of Romanticism, Blake held a deep reverence for nature, often depicting it as a source of spiritual inspiration and renewal. In the same way that Blake sought to celebrate the beauty and importance of the natural world, designers often incorporate botanical motifs, organic textures and sustainable materials into their creations. Efforts towards ecological conservation are further evidence of Blake’s influence in the 21st century.

“Blake championed individuality and expressiveness in his work”

Redefining the boundaries of style, Blake championed individuality and expressiveness in his work. Just as Blake advocated for creative freedom and the exploration of inner truths, fashion can serve as a medium for self-expression and the examination of one’s identity. This can be achieved by embracing eccentricity, mixing patterns and textures, and experimenting with avant-garde mediums. In contemporary fashion, we see this in eclectic streetwear looks and haute couture ensembles, both of which defy conventions.

Blake’s influence on haute couture and ready-to-wear collections is evident from the runways of recent years. Designers have translated his evocative symbolism into intricate embroidery, bold prints and avant-garde silhouettes, infusing their garments with a sense of poetic allure and rebellious spirit that gesture toward an idealised romantic fantasy. Sarah Burton, Creative Director for Alexander McQueen, took inspiration from Blake’s visual imagery in the spring/summer 2022 menswear show, playing on the poet’s themes of escapism and engagement with the sublime. The collection encapsulates the Romantic Period by evoking feelings of fantasy while communicating the idea of light emerging from darkness.

William Blake’s artistic legacy has sparked the imaginations of countless fashion designers, whether that be his symbolic imagery and vibrant colours or his romantic ideals and celebration of individuality. In this convergence of art and fashion, Blake’s legacy acts as a testament to the power of creativity to transcend boundaries and inspire future generations. By infusing their creations with elements inspired by Blake’s vision, designers can create fashion that conveys depth and beauty while addressing themes such as spirituality, imagination and self-expression; his unique perspectives, transcendent art and poetic prowess are illuminated like never before in ‘William Blake’s Universe’.

‘William Blake’s Universe’ is at the Fitzwilliam Museum until 19 May. Pay what you wish for tickets.