Quentin Blake Centre Unveils Inaugural Illustration Exhibitions
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, set to open in Clerkenwell this May in a repurposed 18th-century waterworks, will become the world’s largest dedicated space for illustration. Building on the legacy of the House of Illustration, the Centre has announced its highly anticipated debut trio of exhibitions, promising a diverse exploration of the art form from celebrated masters to contemporary voices. This initiative aims to define illustration’s role in art and culture, offering a unique platform for both historical and modern works and providing an engaging cultural experience for all ages.
Leading the inaugural lineup is “Quentin Blake: Performance,” running from May 2026 to May 2027. This exhibition delves into the profound influence of theatrical traditions on Blake’s prolific, almost 80-year career. Visitors will encounter 100 works, many never publicly displayed before, ranging from his early illustrations for theatre reviews, such as Laurence Olivier’s 1957 performance in “The Entertainer,” to more recent interpretations of Shakespearean characters like Macbeth’s as birds. Blake himself likens illustrating to directing a play, emphasizing the artist’s multifaceted role in creating entire worlds. This retrospective not only celebrates the Centre’s namesake but also offers fresh insights into his creative process.
Complementing Blake’s show are two captivating exhibitions. “MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like…” (May 2026-August 2026) marks the first solo show for British-Sri Lankan illustrator MURUGIAH. This kaleidoscopic display merges his passions for Hollywood, sci-fi, and 2000s pop-punk, offering a surreal journey into identity and mental health. Simultaneously, “Queer as Comics” (May 2026-October 2026) showcases 60 artists from the 1940s to the present, highlighting comics’ subversive potential for exploring queer themes. Notable examples include the 007 parody “James Blond” and Tove Jansson’s “Moomin” strip, which featured characters inspired by her and her lesbian community. Curator Paul Gravett underscores how comics’ blend of art and literature makes them ideal for conveying powerful messages. The Centre will operate Wednesdays to Sundays, with tickets priced at £16.50 for adults and £6.60 for children, including all exhibitions. No specific risks were mentioned in the source material.
