The United Kingdom's first permanent home dedicated to illustration will open its doors in central London this May, housed in a beautifully transformed 18th-century waterworks building. The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, located in the historic Clerkenwell district, aims to celebrate the rich traditions of illustration while embracing the remarkable diversity of this art form from around the world.
The new center represents a £12.5 million investment and hopes to become the world's largest dedicated space for illustration. This ambitious project has been 20 years in the making, evolving from an initial concept into what promises to be a groundbreaking cultural institution. The center is housed in a Grade II listed Engine House, part of London's largest surviving windmill complex, giving visitors a unique blend of historical architecture and contemporary artistic expression.
Sir Quentin Blake, the renowned illustrator who has brought life to more than 300 books throughout his career, expressed his pride in the project bearing his name. "I am proud to think the center has my name on it – illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language," Sir Quentin said. His vision for celebrating illustration as an art form began taking concrete shape in 2002 when he established a charity dedicated to promoting illustration.
The center's journey to its current location has been gradual but purposeful. Previously operating as the House of Illustration, the institution was based in rented space in King's Cross from 2014 to 2020 under a different name. The move to the historic Clerkenwell location represents not just a change of address, but a significant expansion of the center's capabilities and ambitions.
When the center opens this spring, visitors will be greeted by a solo exhibition featuring the vibrant work of MURUGIAH, an artist whose brightly colored creations draw inspiration from film, science fiction, Japanese anime, and 2000s-era pop-punk culture. This inaugural exhibition perfectly embodies the center's commitment to showcasing the diverse range of contemporary illustration while honoring the art form's evolving nature.
Lindsey Glen, director of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, emphasized the universal importance of illustration in modern communication. "Every day, people all over the world use illustration to share stories and ideas – to communicate, express, inform and persuade," Glen explained. "Now, there will be a place where everyone can explore this important, yet overlooked art form, filled with imaginative exhibitions, installations, books, play and making."
Beyond exhibitions, the center will offer a comprehensive range of amenities and programs designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds. A free library will provide access to illustrated works from around the world, while dedicated learning spaces will host educational programs and workshops. The center will also feature art installations that highlight the fascinating 400-year history of the site itself, connecting the building's industrial heritage with its new artistic mission.
One of the most unique aspects of the new center will be its artist residency program, housed in London's oldest surviving windmill. This program will provide illustrators with a historic and inspiring environment in which to create new works, fostering the next generation of artistic talent. Additionally, the center will maintain free public gardens, ensuring that the cultural benefits extend beyond the building's walls to the surrounding community.
The opening of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration represents a significant milestone for the recognition of illustration as a serious art form. By providing a permanent, dedicated space for this often-overlooked medium, the center aims to elevate illustration's status while making it accessible to the broadest possible audience. The combination of historic architecture, cutting-edge exhibitions, educational programming, and community engagement promises to make this new cultural institution a vital addition to London's rich artistic landscape.
