We are the UK’s first and only charity for illustration - art that communicates stories and ideas - founded by illustrator Quentin Blake.
We are the world’s largest dedicated space for illustration, producing exhibitions and creative projects in collaboration with illustrators, collections, universities, schools, community groups and touring partners.
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open in 2026 in Clerkenwell, London.
OUR PURPOSE
Illustration changes everything. We harness its power to transform the way we express ourselves, connect with others and see the world around us.
Illustration Illustration is deliberate and purposeful. It visually communicates a specific message, story or idea.
Changes Illustrating is a catalyst. It makes things more comprehensible, engaging and meaningful.
Everything Illustrators reach across disciplines, audiences, cultures and contexts - from education to activism, entertainment to advertising, the personal to the global
OUR VALUES
Welcome Illustration is for everyone. We seek and value the views, stories and creativity of others, demolish barriers and grow opportunity.
Relevance Illustration is all around us. We are actively outward-looking and connect with people in meaningful and relatable ways.
Curiosity Illustration is a space for exploration. We ask questions, stay open and let curiosity drive new ideas, perspectives and growth.
Within our organisation, we practice:
Equity Illustration should represent us. We create environments where people thrive and we strive to represent the world around us in our programmes and workforce.
Compassion Illustration fosters empathy. We respect human experiences, act with kindness and facilitate the sharing of stories that have been marginalised.
Rigour Illustration deserves respect. We are ambitious and impact-focussed, evaluating honestly, learning and constantly improving.
OUR ACTIVITIES
Illustration connects us to the events, people and ideas that shape our world.
We explore illustration and its role in our lives through a distinctive, dynamic programme of exhibitions, residencies and public events – the only programme of its kind in the UK.
We discover, share and discuss illustration from around the world. We exhibit original artworks that have been locked away within museum and private collections, and we champion artists who have been marginalised. frequently bringing works to the public for the first time.
We support contemporary illustrators to expand and share their practice. We have a special relationship with the extraordinary archive of our founder Quentin Blake, thematically exhibited on site and offering unique insights into the work of illustrators.
Empowering more people as illustrators enables more stories and ideas to be understood.
We champion visual literacy at home, in education and within communities, contributing to learning, wellbeing and self-expression.
We work with colleges, schools, early years settings and families so that young people (and their adults) become confident users of illustration to explain concepts, tell stories and express themselves. We collaborate with community-based organisations and artists – those local to us, those experiencing marginalisation and those with interests relevant to our programmes - through creative projects, supported visits and on-site displays that foster communication, exchange and belonging.
THE CENTRE
Visitors to Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will discover:
- Free displays and installations, an illustration Library and activities
- Three ticketed galleries, offering a changing programme of exhibitions
- A creative studio and a project space, supporting our ongoing work with illustrators, community groups and schools
- Gardens for outdoor making, reflection and play
- A café and terrace offering seasonal lunches, snacks and drinks
- A shop selling illustration prints, books, gifts, cards and making materials
- Visitor facilities including accessible toilets, a Changing Places Toilet and a Quiet Space for respite, prayer and reflection
- The beautifully restored 18th and 19th century pump houses of New River Head, whose stories are told throughout the Centre
OUR ORGANISATION
We are a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity. Much of our work can be accessed free of charge and ticketed exhibitions and events are affordably priced, with concessions available to those who need them. To maximise impact, combat exclusion and redress under-representation, many projects are targeted and/or developed, in collaboration with arts and community partners. This is only possible because of the donations, memberships and grants we receive.
We are a heritage site. We are based within a restored 18th and 19th century waterworks, redeveloped with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Islington Borough Council, trusts and foundations and philanthropists. We use illustration to explore stories of social, industrial and environmental change that relate to our site’s fascinating history.
We are a national organisation. We are the UK’s only charity for illustration. From 2027 we will recommence exhibition nationwide touring. We have the ambition to embed illustration within classrooms across the UK and will expand our participatory work to support this.
We are a team of staff and volunteers. We employ around 30 people in full-time, part-time and casual roles, across visitor welcome, exhibitions, participation, marketing, fundraising, finance and operations. We are led by a board of expert volunteer trustees, supported by committees and advisory panels comprising individuals with relevant lived and professional experience. Volunteers also play an important role in welcoming visitors and developing our gardens. We are an inclusive and London Living Wage employer and a member of the Disability Confident Scheme.
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Our people
What is illustration?
