The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration finally opens its doors to the public today.
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration finally opens its doors to the public today. This is the world’s largest space dedicated to illustration, where visitors can explore how illustration changes everything through a range of free displays and activities, inside and outside.
The Echo was lucky enough to get a sneaky peek earlier this week, and we will bring you our feature soon, with an exclusive interview with MURUGIAH. In the meantime, here’s what you can expect in this fantastic new space.
Situated at the base of the historic Dunard Engine House, the UK’s first dedicated public illustration Library offers a comfortable space where visitors can cosy up to read hundreds of books, comics, graphic novels, picture books and zines. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at illustrating, using prompts designed by illustrator Jay Cover, with opportunities to experiment using art materials, games and toys.
A rotating display of contemporary artwork acts as an introduction to illustration. Illustrator Sophy Hollington is the first featured artist, taking mythological references to create striking modern pieces with elaborate patterns and bold colours. Inspired by medieval alchemy manuscript, European folktale and Old English poetry, her work emanates 1960s graphic design. Beautifully illustrated linocuts depict mysterious creatures, including winged demons, anthropomorphic moons and priestesses with stilettos.
Special exhibitions are ticketed. With one ticket, visitors can: view over 100 original and rarely-seen drawings in Quentin Blake: Performanceshowcasing the theatrical influences of the much-loved illustrator; seethe first major exhibition on queer comic-making in the UK, spanning 1940s to the current day in Queer as Comics; and delve into MURUGIAH’s kaleidoscopic sometimes macabre world exploring themes of identity and mental health through vibrant works inspired by Hollywood, sci-fi and 2000s pop punk.
The Centre’s opening follows the redevelopment of a derelict 18th and 19th waterworks at New River Head in Clerkenwell, London, led by Tim Ronalds Architects. Support for the £12.5m project includes £3.75 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Other investment includes the London Borough of Islington and support from trusts, foundations and philanthropists.
Director Lindsey Glen says, “Today we celebrate a landmark opening: a permanent national centre for an artform that is used every day, all over the world, to share stories and ideas. We are so excited to welcome our first visitors. We hope to inspire them to look at the world afresh and empower them with new creative skills and tools of their own.
“We’re so grateful to Quentin Blake, who has tirelessly championed illustration and spearheaded this project, to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and to the philanthropists and grantmakers who have made this possible. Thank you!”
Whether making a planned visit or passing by, visitors can stroll into the Centre’s shop which is stocked with illustration gifts and exhibition souvenirs, whilst Deeney’s Cafe serves up delicious signature Haggis toasties alongside a menu of fresh salads, seasonal soups and savoury dishes.
Visitors can also enjoy new gardens joining Amwell Street and Myddelton Passage for the first time ever. Designed by Sue Amos, the gardensare designed to create a biodiverse habitat in Islington, which has the UK’s second lowest proportion of green space. Perennial flowers, evergreen shrubs and trees will dot small landscaped gardens, specially chosen to thrive in the site’s dry conditions. Plants have also been selected to reference illustration, including raw materials for inks, timber for charcoal and leaves for tracing. Different zones onsite include a woodland cafe, a sloped bank near the cafe terrace and a meanwhile garden on leftover cobbles.
The site’s unique multifaceted history of engineering, labour, natural resources and urban development is told through interpretation panels designed by illustrator Nina Chakrabarti. Playable benches designed by experts Play Build Play provide fun for families, whilst the Studio Garden, an enclosed play surface, will be available to visiting schools and open to the public on weekends.
The Windmill Base – London’s oldest surviving windmill – will feature pop-up displays of work created by the local community in conjunction with illustrators. The first residency will be a project on ‘Exquisite Bodies’ by local refugees and migrants in collaboration with featured illustrator MURUGIAH.
