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There’s a common misconception that art galleries are pretentious, stuffy places full of people who will judge you for not knowing your abstract impressionists from your pre-Raphaelites – but that’s not the case (most of the time). The art world is vibrant and constantly evolving to celebrate new styles and mediums; for example a brand new gallery is set to open in London next year dedicated entirely to illustration.
The aptly named Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is coming to Clerkenwell next May, and it’s set to be the biggest venue of its kind in the world. Its founder and namesake, Sir Quentin Blake, is one of the most prolific British illustrators of all time, having drawn the covers for most of Roald Dahl’s novels and countless other children’s books over his near-60-year career.
An 18th century building previously used for waterworks will house the new centre, which will be made up of three different galleries, a library, ‘learning spaces, and introductory displays to illustration’. And, of course, most important of all – there will be a gift shop and a café.
The first major exhibition will be MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like…, the inaugural solo show for one of illustration’s most exciting rising stars. The display will ‘delve into the artist’s kaleidoscopic, sometimes macabre world’ as Murugiah ‘brings together his eclectic love of Hollywood film, sci-fi, Japanese anime and 2000s era pop-punk’.
More exhibits will be announced closer to the time of opening, including ‘rarely-seen historic and contemporary works from international collections’, and some donations from Blake’s private archives.
Blake has been trying to get a gallery dedicated to illustration off the ground for a long time. Several years and £12.5 million later, his dream to create a space where the ‘extraordinary wealth of illustration can be exhibited, discussed and celebrated’ is finally a reality.
The gallery’s director Lindsey Glen said that she is ‘thrilled’ to announce its opening, adding; ‘Now, there will be a place where everyone can explore this important, yet overlooked, artform, filled with imaginative exhibitions, installations, books, play and making.’
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