Why illustration?
We're here for illustration, but what is it?
Showing image 1 of 6: An illustration of a large brick building, surrounded by cobbled paths. People are sitting, walking and moving around the site. Some are drawing and reading. There are plants in the foreground and landscaped gardens. There is a round building on the left hand side and a one floor story building at the back of the image.
Coming May 2026
A new landmark for illustration in Clerkenwell, London
Coming soon
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open in May 2026 in Clerkenwell, London
Exhibitions
From May 2026 our three exhibitions will feature rarely-seen historic and contemporary works from international collections.
New River Head
Quentin Blake set out to create the UK’s national centre for illustration in 2002
Make your mark
Help us to transform a derelict heritage site into galleries, studios and gardens
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 May 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