Ahead of its opening this week, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration has unveiled its free library, gardens and public artworks.
Described as the world's largest space dedicated to illustration, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is launching on 5 June in Clerkenwell, London.
Starting with the free library, this will be the UK's first public library dedicated to illustration, featuring hundreds of books, comics, graphic novels, picture books and zines.
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration in London is the world's largest space dedicated to illustration.Benedict Johnson
The library includes a featured display by contemporary printmaker Sophy Hollington and original artworks by illustrators, including Quentin Blake.
Visitors can also try their hand at illustration using prompts developed by illustrator Jay Cover, while experimenting with a range of art materials, games, and toys.
Designed by Sue Amos, the gardens will also be free to enter and will create a biodiverse habitat in London with illustration-inspired plants and a woodland cafe.
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is launching after the redevelopment of a derelict 18th and 19th waterworks.Hufton + Crow
Highlights in the gardens also include interpretation panels designed by illustrator Nina Chakrabarti, as well as playable benches and an enclosed play area.
"This Friday we celebrate a landmark opening: a permanent national centre for an art form that is used every day, all over the world, to share stories and ideas," said the centre's director Lindsey Glen.
"We are so excited to welcome our first visitors. We hope to inspire them to look at the world afresh and empower them with new creative skills and tools of their own."
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration includes a garden, library, shop and cafe, as well as three opening exhibitions.Benedict Johnson
The centre is launching following the redevelopment of a derelict 18th and 19th waterworks led by Tim Ronald Architects.
It will open with three exhibitions – Quentin Blake: Performance, Queer as Comics, and Murugiah: Ever Feel Like....
Additionally, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration includes a shop selling illustration gifts and exhibition souvenirs, as well as Deeney's Cafe for F&B.
Images courtesy of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
