| 
Feature: James Haddrell
FROM 1790-1800, the printmaker, painter, poet and philosopher
William Blake spent the most productive decade of his life living
at 13, Hercules Buildings in Lambeth.
For the fifth in their series of summer exhibitions at the Museum
Of Garden History, the Lambeth based commissioning group,
Parabola, has brought together eight contemporary artists and
four writers to explore the extraordinary work produced in this
ten year period by one of this country’s most unique artists.
The Museum of Garden History is located in the church of St Mary-at-Lambeth,
turning the historic place of worship into a celebration of that
oh-so-English past-time, gardening.
This might seem an unlikely place for eight modern artists to
come together and exhibit their work - side by side and jostling
for space with a collection of artefacts from horticultural history
- but as Parabola curator, Danielle Arnaud explains, for an exhibition
inspired by Blake there really could not be a better place.
"For Parabola the context of the art we commission, the
place where it will be seen and the historical relevance of the
work are all very important.
"In this case, William Blake lived 200 yards away from the
church, and could see it from his window. Whilst he was certainly
not a traditionally religious man in eighteenth century terms,
he would likely have walked into the church at some point."
Borough-based artist Andy Harper, one of the eight artists involved
in the show, adds: "Blake had a very persona | 
