When Palmer met Blake

19th September to 3rd November 2024

On October 9th 1824, Samuel Palmer’s ‘never to be forgotten first interview’ with William Blake took place at Fountain Court: a tall, plain and rather morose red brick building on the Strand.

This first meeting was to have a profound effect on the young artist and would create a friendship that lasted until Blake’s death three years later at the age of 70.

Adam’s Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition and series of events to commemorate this first encounter.

Palmer spent the last twenty years of his life in Reigate and is buried in St Mary’s churchyard along with his wife Hannah.

During his years in Reigate Palmer created many works of art, including watercolours and etchings. He is also known to have entertained Pre-Raphaelites such as Millais and Rosetti at his home.

In the 1920s Palmer’s largely forgotten etchings were rediscovered by a group of artists studying at Goldsmiths University. In particular, artists Graham Sutherland and Paul Drury went on to create a body of work inspired by Palmer’s pastoral vision, inspired by his unrivalled skills as a printmaker.

The exhibition features works by Palmer, Blake, Sutherland and Drury as well as many others, including contemporary artists who have been invited to respond to the show.

Click here for special events including dry point workshops, personal gallery tours and a talk on Palmer at St Marys Church Centre (opposite where Palmer is buried)