Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

We are the UK’s first and only charity for illustration - art that communicates stories and ideas - founded by illustrator Quentin Blake. We opened to the public on 5 June 2026 and are based at New River Head, a derelict waterworks in Clerkenwell brought to life as the national centre for illustration with award-winning practice Tim Ronalds Architects. They preserved the industrial character of the buildings and enhanced the site’s biodiversity while creating accessible exhibition galleries, a learning studio, a project space, a café-event space and a shop, surrounded by gardens. We are the world’s largest dedicated space for illustration. We explore illustration and its role in our lives through a distinctive, dynamic programme of exhibitions, creative projects, residencies and public events in collaboration with illustrators, collections, universities, schools, community groups and touring partners.