A giant William Blake angel is set to appear on a Felpham church roof
A giant William Blake inspired angel is to be projected onto a Felpham church roof marking the village’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.
The Blake Cottage Trust is delighted to announce an exciting creative partnership with St Mary’s Church, Felpham, which will see the projection, creating an angel like Blake saw in a vision above his cottage - between 3.30pm and 5pm on Friday, December 5.
This unique artistic moment celebrates the deep connection between William Blake and the village where he lived from 1800–1803 with his wife Catherine and where he wrote the world-renowned words that became the hymn Jerusalem.
As the Trust continues its mission to conserve and restore Blake’s Cottage, the projection heralds the beginning of a new era for the historic site. The trust said, quite simply, William Blake is coming home.
The event also marks the start of the important countdown to Blake’s bicentenary in 2027, which will see worldwide celebrations of the visionary poet, artist, and radical thinker - including Felpham.
If you are unable to make the event on December 5, the Angel will also be visible on St Mary’s Church roof during the Christmas Carol concert on December 21 from 6pm and during the Christmas Eve Crib Service from 5pm.
The Blake Cottage Trust said it warmly acknowledges the generous support and partnership of those who have made this special event possible: The National Lottery Heritage Fund; St Mary’s Church, Felpham and Reverend John Challis; Paul and Angus of StageWorks; Paul Nicholls of Factory Fifteen; Felpham Conservation Society.
Doug Nicholls, Chair of The Blake Cottage Trust, commented: “I am delighted that we are able to make this angel projection come to life on St Mary’s Church roof in Felpham. Many years ago, when William Blake lived in the village, he had a vision of an angel above his cottage. He was so taken with this vision that he reproduced it in a sketch - one that has inspired the projection you will see.
“The Trust is working tirelessly to raise funds to restore and open this internationally important landmark for the first time, in time for Blake’s bicentenary in 2027. Grateful thanks to the St Mary’s Church and National Lottery Heritage Fund for helping make this a reality.”
To support the Trust’s work and the future of Blake’s Cottage, please visit: JustGiving – Blake Cottage Restoration Fund: https://www.justgiving.com/blakecottagetrust
The Blake Cottage Trust website: https://www.blakecottagetrust.org