THE ARTWORK of children’s illustrator Sir Quentin Blake is going on display at Compton Verney Art Gallery.
Quentin Blake: Birds, Beasts and Explorers runs from May 27 to October 1 and will feature original artwork from the illustrator who has played a key role in many childhoods.
Sir Quentin’s distinctive illustrations can be found in childhood books spanning the past 60 years from Roald Dahl and David Walliams to Michael Rosen.
The exhibition will bring together more than 70 of his images of real and imaginary creatures, intrepid individuals and curious modes of transport, all on loan from Blake’s personal archive.
There will also be a series of insect etchings and a number of watercolour drawings which are in a style not usually associated with Blake, as well as two of sixty pieces he produced for bedrooms in the Kensington and Chelsea Mental Health Centre’s Kershaw Ward.
A series of images for the Dragon Centre at St George’s Hospital, which treats children and young people in South London, will also be on view.
The exhibition’s curator Oli McCall said: “They show dragons variously as patients and care-givers looking after children. They were intended to be a form of escapism for the young people confined in the hospital for a period of time. The etchings of insects in human guises are personal favourites of Quentin and are rarely seen in public. So, to be able to exhibit them is quite a treat.”
Geraldine Collinge, Compton Verney CEO, added: “We are delighted to be able to show so many original works by Sir Quentin Blake, one of the most beloved illustrators working today, who has given life to many iconic characters from children’s literature. Blake’s love for the natural world and artistic skill is clear to see in this exhibition, which aligns perfectly with our mission to connect our visitors with art, nature and creativity.”
