Famous for illustrating Roald Dahl's books, artist Quentin Blake turns 90 this month and is auctioning work to raise funds for a centre for illustration in Islington.
A Birthday Auction in support of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration runs from noon tomorrow (December 2) until December 16 - the day he turns 90.
A total of 140 works go under the hammer at Bonhams, including Flowers on Her Head (estimate £600-800) Acrobats on a Scooter (estimate £1,000-1,500) and A Polite Greeting No. 2 (estimate £1,200-1,800) as well as drawings of performing dogs, tall dragons, and balancing ducks.
Blake, who has written and illustrated more than 300 books, founded the organisation in 2002 to champion the art form. It is now restoring a heritage building at New River Head, Clerkenwell into a national centre for illustration, with galleries, learning studio, gardens, cafe, and space for Blake's 40,000-strong archive.
Proceeds from the sale will go towards the centre, which is due to open in 2024. Director Lindsey Glen said: "These drawings, created in Quentin Blake’s 90th year, are filled with the intriguing stories, eccentric characters and warm humour for which he is so beloved. The campaign for a national centre for illustration came about through Quentin’s vision, tenacity and generosity. We are so grateful that he has chosen to mark his birthday with this special fundraising auction.”
Quentin Blake's birthday celebrations include a prize draw for surprise lot A Chance Encounter. Enter at: https://www.qbcentre.org.uk/quentin-blake-prize-draw
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