Quentin Blake: Illustrating Verse
The first ever exhibition dedicated to Quentin Blake’s illustrations for poetry – on tour across the UKAt Weston Museum from 4 March – 3 June 2023. Free Entry.
“The choice of moments, and a sense of discretion about what to draw and what not to draw, is particularly important in the business of illustrating poetry.” Quentin Blake
Quentin Blake has been writing and illustrating poetry throughout his 60-year career. Many of his own books feature rhymes and songs, and he has collaborated with writers including Michael Rosen and Roald Dahl.
As well as artwork for popular nursery rhymes like The Owl and the Pussycat and classic stories including Alice in Wonderland, the exhibition features previously unseen works from Blake’s archive, such as surreal illustrations for Sylvia Plath’s The Bed Book and mischievous cats for T. S. Elliot’s The Song of the Jellicles.
Sketchbooks and rough drawings give a rare insight into Blake’s writing and book design process, as well as the creation of characters for Roald Dahl’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and his own Mr Magnolia.
This exhibition features original illustrations courtesy of Quentin Blake.
Quentin Blake: Illustrating Verse is a touring exhibition from Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.
IMAGE CREDITS
Clockwise from top left:
The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear © Quentin Blake
The Oompa Loompas from Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl © Quentin Blake
Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll © Quentin Blake
Mr Magnolia by Quentin Blake © Quentin Blake
Exhibition information:
Dates: 4 March – 3 June 2023 We are closed on Sundays and Mondays