Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration officially opening in May 2026
First major exhibition will feature artist MURUGIAH in kaleidoscopic exploration of identity.
The world’s largest dedicated space for illustration, the Centre will present regularly changing exhibitions across three galleries, showcasing the breadth and dynamism of illustration – art that communicates stories and ideas.
Set in the grounds of an 18th century waterworks, accessible to the public for the first time, the Centre will be the UK’s only permanent place for illustration – a landmark for the artform.
The first exhibition to be announced, MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like…, will delve into the artist’s kaleidoscopic, sometimes macabre world as part of the Centre’s opening offer in May 2026. In his first solo exhibition, illustrator, artist and designer MURUGIAH brings together his eclectic love of Hollywood film, sci-fi, Japanese anime and 2000s era pop-punk to create a distinct display of his work.
“I am deeply proud that my first solo exhibition will be with Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. Quentin Blake’s work is such a wonderful source of inspiration to me wonderful source of inspiration to me, capturing ordinary life in his drawings, capturing ordinary life in his drawings with a sense of charm and whimsy with a sense of charm and whimsy. Being one oft he exhibitions that opens the 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!
MURUGIAH, Illustrator & Artist.
In early 2026, the Centre will announce additional opening exhibitions spotlighting the breadth of illustration and its impact on the world. Connecting with societal, political and cultural themes, exhibitions will feature rarely -seen historic and contemporary works from international collections. Original illustrations from leading and emerging illustrators, including work loaned from Blake’s own archive, will also be displayed.
Founder Quentin Blake says, “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!”
Quentin Blake, Founder of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration and Patron of the AOI.
A free library, learning spaces and introductory displays to illustration will also be on offer. The Centre will install a series of permanent commissions revealing stories of the site’s 400-year aqueous history, whilst illustrator and community residencies will be hosted in London’s oldest surviving windmill.
Further opening exhibitions and details of how to buy tickets will be announced in early 2026.
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