We are the William Blake Congregation, a group of artists, poets and musicians  deeply inspired by William Blake’s extraordinary artistic legacy. Blake, one of Britain’s greatest creative geniuses, who authored 'Jerusalem', England’s alternative national anthem, has inspired artists, musicians and writers worldwide and his fame and influence continues to grow. We believe that such an important  figure deserves to be commemorated by preserving his last surviving London home - 17 South Molton Street, Mayfair, as an international cultural centre. This initiative would honour Blake's work and vision and serve as an inspiration to artists, poets, and admirers from all over the world.

William Blake’s last surviving London house, where he lived and worked for 17 years, from 1803 - 1821, and produced some of his greatest works, is at immediate risk of being sold into private hands by the owners the Grosvenor Group. Developers ‘Grosvenor Property UK’ intend to convert this cultural landmark into a luxury private apartment, a fate unworthy of a site so historically and culturally significant.

William Blake was born in Soho in 1757, and lived in London nearly all his life. He is regarded by his admirers as the ‘Patron Saint of London’.
 England preserves many homes of its celebrated figures, offering these spaces as public museums or cultural centres. Consider Shakespeare’s house in Stratford-upon-Avon, Dove Cottage Wordsworth’s home in the Lake District or the Handel Hendrix House in Brook Street, Mayfair, in close proximity to 17 South Molton Street. Transforming Blake’s last London house into an artist's museum will not only preserve its historical integrity but will also enhance and enrich the cultural life of London.

We fully support the charity ‘The William Blake Fellowship’ who have been in negotiations with the developers Grosvenor Property UK for the last 3 years. This project now has the support of major London museums including Tate Britain,The British Library and The V&A, as well as from The London Assembly and Sadiq Khan the Mayor of London. But despite this the developers are still planning to sell 17 South Molton Street as a private leasehold luxury apartment and food & beverage unit downstairs. We understand that they will begin marketing the house in January 2026.

We urge Lisa Nandy MP, the Culture Secretary, to take immediate action to ensure William Blake's last London home doesn't fall into private hands. By advocating for its conversion into a museum, Blake’s artistic genius can continue to enlighten and inspire future generations.

We need your support to make this a reality. Please sign our petition to bring attention to this cause and secure a future for William Blake's legacy. Your signature can help save William Blake's home for the nation and transform it into a beacon of artistic heritage for all.