London’s First Dedicated Home For Illustration To Open In May 2026
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The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration has been in the works for 20 years
Not only is London home to a plethora of world class galleries and museums, but no discipline is left behind. We have the Transport Museum, the Postal Museum, the Cartoon Museum, the Canal Museum, the Garden Museum, the Design Museum and plenty more.
Next on the agenda is the long-in-the-making Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, set to open its doors in Clerkenwell in May 2026 and named for the famed British illustrator, now 92 years old. Here’s what we know about the upcoming opening.
London’s Quentin Blake Centre For Illustration Will Open In 2026
The world’s largest space dedicated to illustration is set to open in London next year – and it’s also the nation’s very first permanent place dedicated to the artform.
In the works since 2002, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will finally open in May 2026, offering, as well as a permanent display, a series of annual exhibitions created in collaboration with contemporary UK-based illustrators, the first of which will be Welsh-Sri Lankan artist Murugiah. Celebrating illustration in all of its forms, we’re told we can also expect a rotating roster of exhibitions with a more international scope, to be announced soon.
An impression of the exterior of the new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration (© Nora Walter)
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration replaces the temporary House of Illustration, which occupied a space in King’s Cross from 2014 to 2020. Both were spearheaded by beloved British illustrator Quentin Blake who has illustrated more than 500 books and established a charity for illustration in 2002, kicking off his journey to find the perfect permanent home for the practice.
‘I have long dreamt of a permanent place with “ILLUSTRATION” above the door, and now the amazing reality is that we have it,’ Blake says.
‘I am proud to think the Centre has my name on it,’ Blake says, adding: ‘Illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language. Here we shall celebrate its traditions and welcome the astonishing diversity of visual language from across the world. Hurrah!’
Linsey Glen has been appointed Director of the Centre, following on from her time helming the House of Illustration (and before that her CV boasts time working at valuable British institutions including the Royal Opera House and the Southbank Centre). She says she is ‘thrilled’ the new centre is finally set to open in Clerkenwell, adding: ‘Every day, people all over the world use illustration to share stories and ideas – to communicate, express, inform and persuade. Now, there will be a place where everyone can explore this important yet overlooked artform, filled with imaginative exhibitions, installations, books, play and making.’
An impression of the terrace at the new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. (© Nora Walter)
The Venue
Taking over the grounds of an 18th century waterworks in Clerkenwell, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will be home to three permanent galleries, a free library, learning spaces, displays introducing visitors to illustration, public gardens, a cafe, a gift shop and a series of permanent commissions revealing the historic site’s 400-year aqueous history.
Nestled in Clerkenwell, the site is a former waterworks known as New River Head (173 Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TY) and includes the Grade II Listed Engine House and London’s oldest surviving windmill, the latter set to host illustrator and community residencies. Around a half-acre site, these heritage buildings sit alongside the former Water Board offices, which have since been transformed into apartments.
The whole £12.5 million revitalisation of the historic site has been made possible thanks to a £3.75 million lump of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as investment from the London Borough of Islington along with a range of trusts, foundations and philanthropists.
MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like…
When the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration opens its doors, its first exhibition will be dedicated to Sri Lankan-Welsh artist and designer MURUGIAH (real name Sharmelan Murugiah), known for his kaleidoscopic works drawing on his love of Hollywood film, sci-fi anime, 2000s pop punk and more.
MURUGIAH (© Jack Woodhams)
MURUGIAH’s first ever solo display – for which he says he is ‘deeply proud’ – we’re told the exhibition will explore identity and mental health through the artist’s signature vibrant, surreal and sombre prints, paintings and sketches. There will also be newly commissioned work to see, bringing the new Centre to life in MURUGIAH’s unique style.
‘Quentin Blake’s work is such a wonderful source of inspiration to me, capturing ordinary life in his drawings with a sense of charm and whimsy,’ MURUGIAH says. ‘Being one of the exhibitions that opens the new Centre is such an important point in my career and life and I am excited to share my recent work – from commercial illustration to paintings and sculpture. Myself and the folks at the Centre can’t wait to invite you all into what we have created!’
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VISIT
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open its doors to the public in May 2026. No official word just yet but it seems the Centre will be free to visit, with tickets required for exhibitions and prices TBC.
Stay up to date at qbcentre.org.uk
