WHAT? Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

WHERE? Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG

WHEN? Open now permanently, free but ticketed for exhibitions.

WHY GO? To be drawn into illustration. The perfect meeting space for little and big lovers of graphic art, this brand-new first permanent home for illustration is not quite a museum or a gallery but a warm, inviting centre that celebrates the joy of drawing, spearheaded by everyone’s favourite illustrator, Quentin Blake.

Historic derelict waterworks in Clerkenwell’s New River Head have been transformed into a sleek modern complex with a light-filled café, terrace, library and gift shop, plus three exhibition areas showing rotating displays curated to attract lovers of graphic art at all levels.

Focusing primarily on Quentin Blake’s archive, there are some 40,000 of his drawings stashed away. The main display features rare drawings of old favourite Roald Dahl characters that will be readily recognised by his legions of fans who love the books.

Blake’s foray into the theatre is showcased under the banner, ‘Performance’, and illustrates his magical touch in capturing the verve and vitality of circus performers.

Displays represent the versatility of illustration, opening with ‘Queer as Comics’, featuring stories of fantasy and resistance and, in total contrast, the kaleidoscopic pop art of Murugiah (pronounced moo-too-guy-ah).

The free pop-in library is heaven-sent for children to discover the delights of illustrators like Helen Oxenbury, Maurice Sendak and, of course, Quentin Blake, with the gift shop selling a seductive cache of colourful graphic gifts.

IN THE KNOW Integral to the complex of buildings that make up the new Centre is the historic Windmill Base, where Exquisite People, a community project with the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants, is displayed and has been aided by the illustrator Murugiah. Check online for the full programme of art and lectures.