Sir Quentin Blake

“I do a freewheeling sort of drawing that looks as though it is done on the spur of the moment. However even a single drawing needs a certain amount of preparation and planning.” – Sir Quentin Blake

Born in the suburbs of London in 1932 Quentin Blake has drawn ever since he can remember. He has always made his living as an illustrator, and was the head of the Illustration department from 1978 to 1986. His first drawings were published in Punch while he was 16 and still at school and entered the world of children’s books with A Drink of Water by John Yeoman in 1960.

Quentin Blake is known for his collaboration with writers such as Russell Hoban, John Yeoman and, most famously, Roald Dahl. He has also illustrated classic books, including A Christmas Carol and Candide and created much-loved characters of his own, including Mister Magnolia and Mrs Armitage.

His books have won numerous prizes and awards, including the Whitbread Award, the Kate Greenaway Medal, the Emil/Kurt Maschler Award and the international Bologna Ragazzi Prize.