We were pleased to see your editorial about writers’ houses (18 August), and the response from Richard Clemmow, a trustee of the Blake Cottage Trust (Letters, 25 August). However, we must disagree with Clemmow’s statement that William Blake’s cottage in Felpham, Sussex, is the only one of his residences that could ever open to the public. The other surviving house where Blake lived, 17 South Molton Street in London, is not “disappearing behind new development”, but is at present being carefully restored by its owner, the Grosvenor Estate. With inspired support, the leasehold could be acquired and it could be made into a culturally significant museum.
The William Blake Fellowship has been in negotiations with the Grosvenor Group/Grosvenor Property UK about this project for several years, and has the support of Sadiq Khan, Tate Britain, the V&A, English Heritage and thousands of Blake lovers, artists, poets and musicians who have signed our petitions and our letter to the Duke of Westminster, and sent messages of support. This project is gaining momentum and may even, with luck and vision, also be able to open to the public for the bicentenary of Blake’s death on 12 August next year.
Helen Elwes and Stephen Micalef
The William Blake Congregation
