Skip to content

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s new public space for illustration, located in Clerkenwell, London. We believe illustration changes everything.

We are free to enter – explore the UK’s only illustration Library, public artworks and newly planted gardens plus all-age illustration activities. Enjoy delicious food in historic surroundings at our cafe and browse our shop stocked with unique illustration gifts.

Our three galleries in a former waterworks showcase the breadth and dynamism of illustration through regularly changing exhibitions which can be booked in advance or on the day.

Now open Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm

A man in a wheelchairs throws up his arms in front of a large mural
On a blue table, two children use colourful felt-tip pens to draw onto stones. Two stones on the table are illustrated with bees, one reading "Bee happy".
Photo of a three story building with a round one in front
Illustration of a person on a ladder drawing on the wall

New River Head

Quentin Blake set out to create the UK’s national centre for illustration in 2002

Eating and drinking

Enjoy delicious toasties, coffees and snacks during your visit in our unique restored boiler house.

Illustration collections

Explore drawings, posters, books and more from collections across the UK

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is a registered charity. Income from ticket sales helps fund our community arts programmes, creative workshops and outreach activities.