Can I look at books and manuscripts illustrated by William Blake?

Yes, you are more than welcome to visit the library to view items illustrated by William Blake. However, all visitors to the Reading Room must first register for a HOLLIS Special Request account. You can then submit your request for material through the HOLLIS Special Request system. Please be advised, permission is required from the Curator of the Department of Printing and Graphic Arts to view original watercolors and colored copies of the illuminated books. This is due to the light sensitivity of the objects. You can request permission to view the originals by including a note in your request. Some of our holdings of the illuminated books have been digitized and are available online at The William Blake Archive. Please note, many of his illustrated books have been reproduced in facsimile editions and permission is not required to view these editions. Feel free to reach out to a Houghton librarian with any questions.