In May 2026, Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open its doors to the public in Clerkenwell, London.
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.
MURUGIAH: Ever Feel Like… will explore identity and mental health through vibrant prints, paintings and sketches that retain a surreal, sombre undertone. Newly commissioned works in the atmospheric Grade II listed Engine House will immerse visitors in MURUGIAH’s distinctive world, drawing on his Sri Lankan heritage and Welsh upbringing. Trained in architecture, but working as an illustrator and artist for the last decade, MURUGIAH has collaborated with clients including Refugee Week, Apple and Elton John.
This begins a series of annual exhibitions at the Centre made in collaboration with contemporary UK-based illustrators, supporting ambitious illustration practice and incorporating new commissions.
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Interior of Coal Stores Gallery during construction, October 2025 © Justin Piperger
Over 20 years in the planning, the idea for the Centre came from the UK’s best-loved illustrator Quentin Blake, who established a charity for illustration in 2002. This led to House of Illustration operating between 2014-2020 from rented space in King’s Cross. Now, the Centre’s opening in Clerkenwell in May 2026 marks the realisation of Blake’s long-held vision for a permanent national space where the “extraordinary wealth of illustration” can be exhibited, discussed and celebrated.
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!”
Director Lindsey Glen says, “We are thrilled that Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open this spring. 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.”
Artist MURUGIAH says, “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, capturing ordinary life in his drawings with a sense of charm and whimsy. 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 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.
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.
Visitors will be able to create, play and reflect in free public gardens, enjoy the café and explore a shop stocked with unique illustration gifts. The site’s historic buildings are being sensitively restored and repurposed by award-winning Tim Ronalds Architects.
Support for the £12.5 million project includes £3.75 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. 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 (as Major Supporter).
Further opening exhibitions and details of how to buy tickets will be announced in early 2026.
