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Opening 5 June 2026

A new landmark for illustration in Clerkenwell, London

Photo of a three story building covered in scaffolding

Coming soon

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open in May 2026 in Clerkenwell, London
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
Illustration of people sitting on a terrace and gardening outside a brick building

Make your mark

Help us to transform a derelict heritage site into galleries, studios and gardens
Black and white photograph of industrial brick buildings reflected in a pond in the foreground

History

Discover the story of the New River Head, the site that will become our home

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s only permanent place for illustration, opening Friday 5 June 2026.

When we open in Clerkenwell, London, our three galleries in a former waterworks will showcase the breadth and dynamism of illustration through regularly changing exhibitions.

Visitors can explore our free spaces, including public gardens, displays and an illustration library. A café serving fresh food in historic surroundings will also be on offer as well as a shop stocked with unique illustration gifts.

Illustration collections

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