Julian Cope on William Blake

‘Blake’s Shadow’ explores the artistic legacy of the poet, artist and visionary, and his relevance to the work of creative minds in the modern age, while ‘Mind Forg’d-Manacles’ highlights William Blake’s connection to the anti slavery movement, and shows his idiosyncratic illustrations for anti slavery publications. Both exhibitions are fantastic, bringing together Blake’s work from The Whitworth’s own collection, the British Museum, The Hayward Gallery, and the private collections of individuals fortunate enough to own them.
Julian Cope might not spring to mind as first choice to give an art lecture in the rarified environment of The Whitworth. Many will only know him as lead singer of The Teardrop Explodes – a regular feature of the Liverpool music scene of the eighties, with hits such as Treason and Reward, or for solo hits that including World Shut Your Mouth, but he turned out to be just the man for the job. These days, Julian is a respected authority on a range of cultural issues, from art and archaeology to good old rock’n’roll.
The Whitworth Art Gallery was packed with well heeled bodies who were craning their necks and eager for a good view of the proceedings. They were rewarded when he swept into the gallery like some sort of strange and commanding messianic figure, with his long hair, trench coat, military hat and shades creating quite an impression.
Julian Cope is always charismatic and interesting, but somehow in this setting, he was magnificent. His affinity with Blake made him an engaging and erudite speaker, as he spoke with fierce passion, knowledge and humour about a man who has clearly been a great influence on him and his work.
The gallery was the electrified by the sheer presence of Julian the rock star poet, in spite of his serious approach to the subject matter of his speech, and he was spontaneously cheered at the conclusion of his superb performance. The normally staid art crowd hooted and hollered their appreciation as he delivered his parting line ‘Why be bleak when you could be Blake?!’
Rikki Wright