Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

Now open Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm

We are free to enter - explore the UK’s only illustration Library and newly planted gardens. Enjoy delicious food in historic surroundings at our cafe and browse our shop stocked with unique illustration gifts.

Tickets for our special exhibitions can be booked in advance or on the day: Book now(opens in new window).

A man in a wheelchairs throws up his arms in front of a large mural

Quentin Blake unveils new mural ahead of opening of world’s largest space for illustration

What’s On

Photo of a three story building with a round one in front

Getting here

Illustration of a person on a ladder drawing on the wall

New River Head

Quentin Blake set out to create the UK’s national centre for illustration in 2002

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s only permanent place for illustration, located in Clerkenwell, London.

Our three galleries in a former waterworks showcase the breadth and dynamism of illustration through regularly changing exhibitions.

Why illustration?

We're here for illustration, but what is it?

Watch our short film

Illustration collections

Explore drawings, posters, books and more from collections across the UK

Explore our collections

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is a registered charity. Income from tickets sales helps fund our community arts programmes, creative workshops and outreach activities.