Spot These Gorgeous William Blake Mosaics, Hiding In Lambeth

M@
By M@ Last edited 12 months ago
Spot These Gorgeous William Blake Mosaics, Hiding In Lambeth

It's amazing what you can find under London's railway arches.

While other viaducts conceal garages and craft beer bars, Lambeth's house angels, demons and a ladder to the moon.

The trio of arches beside Archbishop's Park are decorated with mosaics inspired by William Blake. Dozens of works line the walls of Carlisle Lane, Virgil Street and Centaur Street. Some recreate Blake's visionary art, others repeat lines of his poetry; some present both. Crepuscular lighting and the growl of trains bring these mystical creations to life.

It's quite simply the largest gallery of Blake's work in the world — all on or near the site of his former home. Blake lived with his wife Catherine on Hercules Road from 1790 to 1800.

Blake's image of Newton dividing the cosmos in mosaic form
Blake's study of Isaac Newton, which may be familiar from the sculpture outside the British Library by Eduardo Paolozzi

The mosaics were pieced together over many years by local volunteers, under the guidance of Southbank Mosaics.

To find them, head to Lambeth North tube and (in Blake's words), wander thro' each charter'd street, near where the charter'd Thames does flow. (Or, set off down Hercules Road and duck into the arches.)

The poem London by William Blake recast in mosaic form
Wasn't this a Verve song?

Last Updated 28 March 2023