The national centre celebrating the art of illustration opens in Clerkenwell this May, with group discounts and three debut exhibitions including a rare showcase of Sir Quentin Blake’s theatrical works.
Set in the grounds of an 18th century waterworks it will host regularly changing exhibitions across three galleries, showcasing the breadth and dynamism of illustration – art that communicates stories and ideas.
Three exhibitions will run from May including Performance which, for the first time, will explore how theatrical traditions have influenced the almost 80-year career of much-loved illustrator, Quentin Blake. The display is a rare opportunity to see more than 100 of his original works on paper, many of which have never been publicly displayed before.
The centre will also open with Queer as Comics, a landmark exhibition depicting stories of fantasy, identity and resistance told across time by queer comic-makers.
Previously announced exhibition MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like… will immerse visitors into the British-Sri Lankan illustrator and designer’s kaleidoscopic world.
Group visits to the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
Groups of more than ten will be offered a 10% discount for weekday visits. There will be a cafe, gift shop, public gardens, a library, learning spaces and introductory displays to illustration to explore.
The centre will also install a series of permanent commissions revealing stories of the site’s 400-year history.
“We shall celebrate its traditions and welcome the astonishing diversity of visual language from across the world. Hurrah!”
Sir Quentin Blake
The journey to a permanent home
More than 20 years in the making, the idea for the centre came from the UK’s much-loved illustrator Quentin Blake, who established a charity for illustration in 2002. This led to the House of Illustration operating between 2014-2020 from a rented space in King’s Cross.
The new centre’s opening marks the realisation of Sir Quentin’s long-held vision for a permanent national space where the “extraordinary wealth of illustration” can be exhibited, discussed and celebrated.
Blake said: “I have long dreamt of a permanent place with ‘Illustration’ above the door, and now the amazing reality is that we have it. I am proud to think the Centre has my name on it – illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language. Here we shall celebrate its traditions and welcome the astonishing diversity of visual language from across the world. Hurrah!”
About Sir Quentin Blake
An artist, author and illustrator, Sir Quentin Blake had his first illustration published in Punch magazine in 1949 when he was still at school. Since then, he has written and/or illustrated more than 500 books, creating characters such as Mister Magnolia and Mrs Armitage and collaborating with people such as Joan Aiken, Michael Rosen, John Yeoman and Roald Dahl.
Sir Quentin Blake was made a CBE in 2005, received a knighthood for ‘services to illustration’ in the New Year’s Honours for 2013 and was appointed ‘Companion of Honour’ in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2022. He continues to draw every day.
For more information on the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration and visiting with a group go to qbcentre.org.uk
