Quentin Blake: Book Covers

Quentin Blake has been illustrating books for over 50 years. While he is best known for his illustrations for children’s books, his career began with covers for magazines and adult fiction.

Thirty two covers from three celebrated publishers are in the show, ranging from some of Quentin's distinctive covers for Penguin paperbacks in the 1960s to his work for premium hardbacks for The Folio Society, and his illustrated covers for children’s books published by Jonathan Cape from the 1970s onwards. Through these eclectic and punchy designs Quentin demonstrates how his inimitable style always comes through, even when adapting to different subject matter and audiences.  First editions are shown alongside reproductions of original artwork from Quentin's archive that show how he combines typography, dynamic layouts and his unique way of drawing to create playful designs.

East Ayrshire Leisure is celebrating Quentin Blake’s 90th birthday this year with a double venue exhibition programme at both the Dick Institute (showing 'Illustrating Verse') and the Baird Institute (Book Covers) alongside an extensive primary school creative learning programme of visits and illustration workshops.

'Quentin Blake: Book Covers' is a touring exhibition from Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.   For more information about the Quentin Blake Centre, visit https://www.qbcentre.org.uk/