'Quentin Blake: Performance'
At: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, 1 Myddleton Passage, London EC1R 1AG
5 June 2026 - 1 April 2027
More info: https://qbcentre.org.uk/whats-on
Theatrical traditions that influence the work of the UK’s much-loved
illustrator, Quentin Blake, are to be explored at the new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.
The show is formed of 100 of Quentin’s original works on paper, many of which have never been publicly displayed before, alongside a display of some of his working materials and audio-visual recordings of the artist talking about his inspirations.
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Quentin’s work has often been stimulated by drama – from his early career
illustrating opening-night performances to accompany theatre reviews, including
Laurence Olivier’s iconic turn in The Entertainer (1957), to pantomime inspiration for
Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile (1978). Beyond children’s books, Quentin has
illustrated the work of Ancient Greek, Elizabethan and modern playwrights including
William Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett.
Performance is the first retrospective exhibition in the UK to look at his practice through
the lens of theatre. Highlights include illustrations from Waiting for Godot (2021) and
Aristophanes’ The Birds (1971). Rarely-seen preparatory material will give an insight
into Quentin’s working process. Quentin’s own books Angelo (1970) and Clown
(1995) feature as well as his illustrations from Punch magazine and his project for
Northwick Park Hospital, 'Our Friends in the Circus' (2008).
One of Quentin’s most recent illustration projects will be on public display for the first
time: nearly 40 drawings of characters from Macbeth depicted as birds (2023). Quentin’s
distinctive scratchy line drawings in quill pen and black ink are a unique take on the tragedy.
Quentin Blake says, “Illustrating is like directing a play, except that you also get to
design the scenery and play all the parts. I can’t wait for the curtain to go up on the
new exhibition.”
QBCI Artistic Director Olivia Ahmad commented, “For Quentin, a blank sheet of paper is like an
empty stage, just waiting for him to draw in the scenery and the characters who will
tell his stories. His unmistakable drawings are fizzing with kinetic energy and it’s no
wonder that vital acrobats, mime artists and circus performers have been finding
their way into his work for almost 80 years.”
This will be Quentin’s first exhibition at the Centre, which opens on 5 June. One of the three exhibition gallery spaces will be permanently dedicated to him and each year will use work from his archive to give insight into the creation of his works.
Alongside paid-for exhibition spaces, the Centre will also offer visitors a free Library, gardens, café and shop. For more details on opening times and ticket prices, see the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration website
illustrator, Quentin Blake, are to be explored at the new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.
The show is formed of 100 of Quentin’s original works on paper, many of which have never been publicly displayed before, alongside a display of some of his working materials and audio-visual recordings of the artist talking about his inspirations.
.
Quentin’s work has often been stimulated by drama – from his early career
illustrating opening-night performances to accompany theatre reviews, including
Laurence Olivier’s iconic turn in The Entertainer (1957), to pantomime inspiration for
Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile (1978). Beyond children’s books, Quentin has
illustrated the work of Ancient Greek, Elizabethan and modern playwrights including
William Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett.
Performance is the first retrospective exhibition in the UK to look at his practice through
the lens of theatre. Highlights include illustrations from Waiting for Godot (2021) and
Aristophanes’ The Birds (1971). Rarely-seen preparatory material will give an insight
into Quentin’s working process. Quentin’s own books Angelo (1970) and Clown
(1995) feature as well as his illustrations from Punch magazine and his project for
Northwick Park Hospital, 'Our Friends in the Circus' (2008).
One of Quentin’s most recent illustration projects will be on public display for the first
time: nearly 40 drawings of characters from Macbeth depicted as birds (2023). Quentin’s
distinctive scratchy line drawings in quill pen and black ink are a unique take on the tragedy.
Quentin Blake says, “Illustrating is like directing a play, except that you also get to
design the scenery and play all the parts. I can’t wait for the curtain to go up on the
new exhibition.”
QBCI Artistic Director Olivia Ahmad commented, “For Quentin, a blank sheet of paper is like an
empty stage, just waiting for him to draw in the scenery and the characters who will
tell his stories. His unmistakable drawings are fizzing with kinetic energy and it’s no
wonder that vital acrobats, mime artists and circus performers have been finding
their way into his work for almost 80 years.”
This will be Quentin’s first exhibition at the Centre, which opens on 5 June. One of the three exhibition gallery spaces will be permanently dedicated to him and each year will use work from his archive to give insight into the creation of his works.
Alongside paid-for exhibition spaces, the Centre will also offer visitors a free Library, gardens, café and shop. For more details on opening times and ticket prices, see the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration website