"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!"
"They've now confirmed that it will open in May 2026, and its first exhibition will be by the surrealist artist, Murugiah. The Centre will announce additional opening exhibitions early next year while original illustrations from leading and emerging illustrators, including work loaned from Blake's own archive, will also be displayed. A free library, learning spaces and introductory displays to illustration will also be on offer."
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open in May 2026 in a restored 300-year-old former Clerkenwell waterworks that once pumped clean water to London. The site’s 18th- and 19th-century buildings had been locked and empty for over 70 years before acquisition in 2019. Pandemic disruption and construction cost inflation delayed opening while a £12.5 million fundraising campaign was completed. The inaugural exhibition will feature surrealist artist Murugiah, with additional exhibitions and original illustrations, including loans from Blake's archive. The Centre will offer a free library, learning spaces, permanent commissions revealing 400 years of site history, and artist residencies.
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