The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, described as the world's largest dedicated space for illustration, is to open in London in May 2026.
Located in Clerkenwell, London, the UK’s only permanent place for illustration is the brainchild of illustrator Quentin Blake, who established a charity for illustration in 2002.
This led to the House of Illustration in King's Cross, which operated between 2014 and 2020.
"I am proud to think the centre has my name on it – illustration is a wonderful universal and varied language," said Blake.
"Here we shall celebrate its traditions and welcome the astonishing diversity of visual language from across the world."
The new centre is situated in the grounds of an 18th-century waterworks, which is being made accessible to the public for the first time.
It will present rotating exhibitions across three galleries.
The first to be announced, titled Murugiah: Ever Feel Like..., will be the first solo exhibition from illustrator, artist and designer Murugiah.
World's largest dedicated space for illustration
The show will explore identity and mental health through vibrant prints, paintings and sketches with a surreal, sombre undertone.
Murugiah said 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".
The exhibition will showcase his recent work, including commercial illustration, paintings and sculpture.
It will kick off a series of annual exhibitions at the centre, created in collaboration with contemporary UK-based illustrators.
In addition to the exhibitions, the centre will display works by leading and emerging illustrators, including illustrations loaned from Blake's archive.
Also, the centre includes a free library, learning spaces, public gardens, a café and a shop.
"Every day, people all over the world use illustration to share stories and ideas – to communicate, express, inform and persuade," said the centre's director, Lindsey Glen.
"Now, there will be a place where everyone can explore this important-yet-overlooked artform, filled with imaginative exhibitions, installations, books, play and making."
