Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration facts for kids
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is a special place in the UK that celebrates illustration. It's the only public arts organization in the country focused just on this art form! Famous illustrator Quentin Blake started it in 2002. It's located in London, England. From 2014 to 2020, it was known as the House of Illustration and was in the London Borough of Camden.
Illustration is a type of art that helps tell a story or explain an idea. It can be found in books, comics, advertisements, and even on clothes!
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A New Home for Illustration
In July 2020, it was announced that the House of Illustration would move to a new, bigger location. This new home is at the historic New River Head site in the Clerkenwell area of London Borough of Islington.
Restoring Historic Buildings
The buildings at New River Head are very old, dating back to the 1700s and 1800s. They are being carefully restored by architects to create a wonderful new space. This big project costs about £12 million!
What to Expect at the New Centre
The new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is set to open in 2024. It will have:
- Galleries to show amazing illustrations
- Studios where you can learn and create art
- Spaces for special events
- A shop to find cool illustration-themed items
- A café to relax and enjoy
Until the new centre opens, the organization is still busy! They are touring exhibitions, holding creative workshops, and working with schools and community groups in Islington. For example, in 2021, they worked on a project called Clerkenwell: Now and Then. Local residents helped create a unique guide to Islington, filled with their own stories and drawings.
Exploring the World of Illustration
The centre has shown many different types of illustration over the years. These include:
- Drawings for advertisements
- Art from animation
- Pictures from comic books and manga
- Illustrations for children's literature
- Art used for propaganda (messages to influence people)
- Political cartoons that comment on news
- Scientific illustrations that explain nature or science
- Designs for fashion design
Featured Artists and Themes
Past exhibitions have also explored interesting themes. They have shown Cuban graphic design, feminist comics, and special shows about artists like Enid Marx, Tom of Finland, and Jacqueline Ayer.
