This illustrated lecture, “William Blake: Legend and Legacy,” introduces English poet-artist William Blake (1757-1827) and explores the legendary artist’s enduring influence on modern ideas of genius, creativity and the artist’s role as social critic in his times.

Deborah Velders has been Director of the Mobile Museum of Art since 2012, and long ago completed a Master’s thesis on the art and poetry of William Blake’s visionary work, “Milton.”