Visiting on a budget
There is a lot to explore in the gardens of Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration including:
- planting that changes with the seasons, including fragrant and sensory planting
- outdoor seating, including a family seating area with playable benches
- illustrated panels and a sculpture telling the story of the New River Head waterworks
- gated play and lunch-space (weekends only, subject to availability).
Families can pick up an Outdoor Explorer Pack to support their exploration of the gardens.
The Library is a relaxed space to explore illustration through reading, art materials and toys. Here you will find:
- over 1,000 comics, graphic novels, zines, picturebooks and books about illustration, including books using different languages and books from other countries
- illustration activities and materials to experiment with
- displays and original artworks
- comfortable seating.
On our What’s On page you’ll find information about free activities, weekend drop-in sessions for families and weekday activities for under fives and their families.
During your visit you may be able to see pop-up displays of work in the Windmill Base. These have been created by community groups working with illustrators.
Reduced-price tickets
Exhibition tickets provide entry to the three galleries at the Centre. An adult ticket costs £15 or £16.50 including a £1.50 donation. We also offer the following concessions:
Low-income (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Child Tax Credits): £1 or £1.10 with donation
Essential companions: Free
Student: £11.40 or £12.65 with donation
People with a disability: £11.40 or £12.65 with donation
Child aged 5-17: £6 or £6.60 with donation
Families:
2 adults, up to 3 children: £40 or £41.81 with donation
1 adult, up to 3 children: £23 or £25.31 with donation
1 adult, up to 3 children: £20 or £22 with donation
Events
Please check event information for concessions if you are a student or in receipt of Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Child Tax Credits. Essential companions of disabled people go free.
Courses
We offer a limited number of bursaries for students and people in receipt of Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Child Tax Credits. Please apply at time of booking.
Membership
If you are a regular visitor to our exhibitions, it may be cheaper to buy a membership. Prices start at £45 per year.
We may request evidence of eligibility on arrival at the Centre. This can include:
- Student – college or university photocard, 18+ Student Oyster Card, ISIC card, UNiDAYS card
- Disabled person – Access Card, All In Card, Blue Badge, National Disability Card, Nimbus Card, PIP certificate
- Low Income – Universal Credit statement (mobile app or paper copy), HMRC letter confirming Child or Working Tax Credit, DWP letter confirming Pension Credit, or Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance
You can also email us at access@qbcentre.org.uk if you are eligible for a concessionary ticket but you do not have any of the document listed above.
Food and Drink
Picnics
You are very welcome to bring your own food and drink. There are benches around the gardens. On weekends you may also be able to use the gated play-space. Water bottles can be refilled in the cafe.
Deeney’s at Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
The on-site cafe offers hot and cold drinks, snacks, salads and toasted sandwiches. Kids’ toastie prices start at £4 and full-size toasties £6. FInd out more here.
Shop
Our shop sells a wide range of products, including badges, stickers, books, greetings cards, prints, homewares and art materials. Prices start at £1.50.
To use the Library without passing through the shop, enter via the Cafe Terrace and pass through the cafe.
Exploring the local area
There are lots of free and low-cost things to do in Clerkenwell, Islington.
Walks
- free heritage walks connecting public transport hubs to the Centre
- Islington Council arts and heritage walks (https://www.islington.gov.uk/libraries-arts-and-heritage/heritage/islington-archives/local-history-walks)
Green spaces
- Myddelton Square Garden
- Spa Fields green space
- Three Corners Adventure Playground(opens in new window) (requires registration)
- Museum of St John Cloister Gardens
Museums, galleries and activities
Accessibility
Visit the page for more information.