Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration focuses on 2D visual storytelling, from adverts to animation, picture books to political cartoons, scientific drawings to fashion design.
Founded by beloved illustrator Quentin Blake in 2002, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration in Clerkenwell, London is dedicated to championing the art of illustration.
The House of Illustration
Between 2014 and 2020, the centre ran the House of Illustration in King's Cross. Through its diverse programme, the gallery showed work spanning the full spectrum of illustration, representing both established and emerging artists.
A new centre opening May 2026
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is now building a permanent home at a former waterworks heritage site called New River Head in Clerkenwell. Supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the Centre will offer temporary exhibitions, learning spaces, public gardens, a shop and a café.
Championing the art of illustration
While the project is in development, they've continued to connect people with illustration through residencies, online events, collaborations with schools and the local community, as well as touring exhibitions across the UK. In the meantime, you can still access their work online, sign up for updates and check out their socials on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Visitor information
Address
28 Amwell Street, London, EC1R 1XU
Opening times
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the new name for House of Illustration. You can join online and offsite events and visit exhibitions at venues across the UK while we work on transforming a fascinating but forgotten heritage site in Clerkenwell into the UK’s centre for illustration. Sign up to our newsletter to follow our story as work begins on site in 2024.