Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration to open next May

Image: The new centre will be in New River Head, a former 18th century waterworks in Clerkenwell - courtesy of the Museums Association / Tim Ronalds Architects

The UK’s first permanent centre exploring the “overlooked” artform of illustration will open to the public next May in London, according to the Museums Association, which reports:

'The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will take up residence in the grounds of New River Head, a former 18th-century waterworks in Clerkenwell adjacent to Sadler's Wells Theatre.

'The centre includes public gardens, displays across three galleries and an illustration library. There will also be a cafe and dedicated shop.

'The charity, first established by the illustrator Quentin Blake in 2002, formally operated the House of Illustration from 2014 to 2020 in rented spaces in Kings Cross.'

“I have long dreamt of a permanent place with ‘illustration’ above the door, and now the amazing reality is that we have it,” Blake says. “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!”

The £12.5m project to open the centre has received £3.75m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as investment from the London Borough of Islington and support from trusts, foundations and philanthropists.

Tim Ronalds Architects is currently restoring and repurposing the Grade II- listed Engine House.

The centre opens with a temporary exhibition exploring the artworks of illustrator, artist and designer Murugiah. Exploring identity and mental health, the show includes newly commissioned works that draw on Murugiah’s Sri Lankan heritage and Welsh upbringing.

Lindsey Glen, director of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, says: “Every day, people all over the world use illustration to share stories and ideas – to communicate, express, inform and persuade.

“Now, there will be a place where everyone can explore this important-yet-overlooked artform, filled with imaginative exhibitions, installations, books, play and making.”