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Airborne
A fundraising sale for Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

Online at Bonhams
21 - 29 April 2025 starting at 12:00pm BST

This month, we are working with Bonhams to host a very special auction of original artwork by Quentin Blake. These recent works reflect Quentin’s longstanding fascination with flight, and feature airborne characters, flying machines and birds. In watercolour and Quentin’s signature scratchy line drawing, these works will be open for bidding on 21 April at 12:00pm BST, and you can register to bid now through Bonhams' website.

An illustration ink ink of two people sat on the back of a bird-like mechanical contraption. They are flying through a night sky above a low purple moon
Moonlight Travellers No 11 © Quentin Blake, 2017

The proceeds of this 53-lot sale will support us at an exciting time as construction work is well underway on our permanent home in Clerkenwell, London. The funds raised will help us to bring the Centre to life with new illustration commissions, exhibitions, workshops and more.

With works at a range of scales, this sale offers something for first-time and seasoned collectors, with estimates starting at £300-£500.

The sale includes eight original artworks from the book Moonlight Travellers. These watercolours journey through unknown landscapes and capture the mystery and intrigue of the night.

Other works are from Quentin Blake’s book On the Wing (2020) including the original work featured on the book’s cover.

An illustration in black ink of a man with wings sprouting from his back, flying across the centre of a white page. He is wearing glasses, a suit, and holding a briefcase in one hand. In his other hand he is holding an open book which he is reading as he flies.
On the wing (cover image) © Quentin Blake, 2019

The remaining pieces are a mixture of works from the last 10 years which explore flight, flying and the potential magic of the everyday.

An illustration in black ink and blue watercolour showing a young boy stood on top of a cliff with his back to the edge. He is waving at someone out of view.
Airborne No 10 © Quentin Blake, 2025
“Working with Quentin and the team from the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration continues to be a great privilege. Sir Quentin’s works are a great source of happiness and nostalgia for so many, and we are delighted to be able to offer these charming works at auction and continue working with the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, who empower people of all ages to tell their stories.

The sale offers a joyful selection of Blake’s characters in various modes of flight, many from his Airborne and Moonlight Travellers series. Whether being lifted into the clouds by an umbrella, comically floating as a balloon, or winged figures reading mid-flight in works from his book On the Wing, Blake’s characters continue to uplift and delight.”

- Mary Gatenby, Bonhams Associate Specialist for Modern British and Irish Art and head of the sale

These drawings will be available to view in person at Bonhams, Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, SW7 1HH, and for sale online between 21-29 April 2025.

Visit Bonhams to find out more and register to bid.