The Book Of Urizen Binding

The Book of Urizen - William Blake

The vast depths of William Blake’s Book of Urizen is profound, and for this reason, trying to focus the imagery on one powerful theme was key, specifically, the moments of origin and oblivion. The front cover depicts an instance of conception, ignition, eventually a rebirth, and then over the spine of the book we see a lifespan vine, spun, measured, and capped by the Sisters Moirai. The back cover reveals the last moment, a crouched old man and one last old breath. There is a murkiness, and a grainy turmoil in the cavernous scene, an homage to Blake’s dark, vibrant, and unrefined style.

From the collection of John Windle.