Alistair Hardaker
Image: Impression - Exhibition at the new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration © Nora Walter
The world’s largest dedicated illustration space will launch in an 18th century Clerkenwell waterworks site with three galleries.
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open to the public in May 2026 in Clerkenwell, London, becoming the UK’s only permanent place for illustration. The world’s largest dedicated space for the artform will present regularly changing exhibitions across three galleries.
The Centre occupies the grounds of an 18th century waterworks, which will be accessible to the public for the first time. Award-winning Tim Ronalds Architects is undertaking sensitive restoration and repurposing of the site’s historic buildings, including a Grade II listed Engine House.
The opening represents the realisation of a vision held by the well known illustrator Quentin Blake for over 20 years. Blake established a charity for illustration in 2002, which led to House of Illustration operating from rented space in King’s Cross between 2014 and 2020.
Founder Quentin Blake said “I have long dreamt of a permanent place with “ILLUSTRATION” above the door, and now the amazing reality is that we have it. I am proud to think the Centre has my name on it – 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!”
The first exhibition to be announced, MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like…, will form part of the Centre’s opening next May. This first solo exhibition by illustrator, artist and designer MURUGIAH will explore identity and mental health through prints, paintings and sketches. Newly commissioned works in the Engine House will draw on his Sri Lankan heritage and Welsh upbringing. The exhibition begins a series of annual exhibitions at the Centre made in collaboration with contemporary UK-based illustrators.
Artist MURUGIAH said: “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!”
In early 2026, the Centre will announce additional opening exhibitions featuring historic and contemporary works from international collections, including work loaned from Blake’s own archive.
The Centre will also offer a free library, learning spaces and introductory displays. Illustrator and community residencies will be hosted in London’s oldest surviving windmill on site. The Centre will install permanent commissions revealing stories of the site’s 400-year aqueous history. Visitors will be able to access free public gardens, a café and a shop.
The centre’s director Lindsey Glen said: “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.”
The £12.5 million project has received £3.75 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Other investment includes the London Borough of Islington and support from trusts, foundations and philanthropists. MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like… is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by the Bagri Foundation.
