Description
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the world's largest public arts space and museum dedicated entirely to the art of visual storytelling, located in the vibrant district of Clerkenwell. It stands as one of the best things to do with kids in Clerkenwell, offering an exceptional educational day out where children can explore spectacular exhibitions, historical galleries, and a dedicated library. Families can immerse themselves in changing creative displays housed inside a beautifully restored 18th-century heritage waterworks.
Prices start from £15.00 for standard adult tickets, which grant full entry to all changing exhibition spaces and galleries. Members and certain concession holders can access the main galleries entirely for free. The on-site illustration library and surrounding public heritage gardens are also completely free to enter without a ticket.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration provides a fantastic creative escape. It perfectly combines historical architecture with vibrant, kid-friendly visual artwork that will spark children's imaginations. It is an ideal weekend destination to inspire young readers, writers, and budding artists alike.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration unique?
This site stands out as the UK's only permanent national arts venue entirely focused on illustration and graphic storytelling. It provides a unique educational day out by preserving historic waterworks buildings while displaying modern, high-energy artwork.
- Vast Illustration Library: A free-to-use space where families can sit down, read together, and browse countless beautifully drawn books.
- Historic Industrial Heritage: The museum galleries are built right into preserved industrial structures, including an old Windmill Base and Coal Stores.
- Changing Interactive Exhibits: The centre hosts a rotating lineup of national and international illustrators to give families something new to see during every visit.
Detailed Highlights
- The Engine House Galleries: This three-story main gallery area showcases large, colorful artistic displays. Children will love walking through the spacious rooms to see massive prints up close.
- The Illustration Library: A cosy and welcoming public room completely filled with illustrated novels, comics, and picture books. It provides a quiet breakout spot for kids to relax and read.
- The Heritage Waterworks Grounds: The outer courtyard and restored 18th-century site offer open air for kids to explore. It lets families appreciate classic industrial history right in central London.
- The Coal Store Galleries: A atmospheric exhibition space featuring original brickwork walls. The unique underground feel makes browsing historic comic sketches incredibly exciting for older children.
- The Public Gardens: Beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces designed for walking and relaxing. They give parents a scenic, safe spot to let children unwind after touring the indoor galleries.
Specific Named Objects & Exhibits
- Laurence Olivier’s The Entertainer Sketch (1957): An original opening-night theatre review illustration drawn by Quentin Blake.
- Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile Original Drawings (1978): Iconic, childhood-favourite illustrations displayed in the gallery.
- Macbeth Character Bird Drawings (2023): A set of nearly 40 unique scratchy quill-and-ink character depictions.
- Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot Artwork (2021): Rare modern theatrical illustrations showcased on paper.
- Aristophanes’ The Birds Illustrations (1971): Classic comedic Greek theatre drawings.
- The James Blond Gay Comic Strip (1969): A historic 1969 parody piece displayed inside the historical collection.
- The Brown Bomber Artwork: Landmark illustrations by Rupert Kinnard featuring the first gay Black superhero.
- Tove Jansson’s Moomin Cartoon Strip: Original historic newspaper comic prints featured on display.
0.39 miles
