William Blake: a poet and artist as a social activist behind the printing machine This paper analyses William Blake’s contribution in the battle against the exploitation of the young children in the 18th century Britain and his sympathetic relationship to the topic through his poems and art. William Blake’s social activism was a mystery until the 20th century when the majority of his art became known. In 1790s, when he made his most extraordinary poems and related spiritual illustrations, Blake was almost anonymous to the wider audience. This did not stop his caring heart from the intention to influence and change the public opinion on child labor. One of the most neglected children groups in the late 18th century were the chimney sweepers,