Image: Detail of Inside Stories © Sir Quentin Blake, Image courtesy of the House of Illustration.

*This exhibition is now closed*

'Quentin Blake: Inside Stories' was a landmark exhibition by one of the UK’s most important and best-loved illustrators whose work is recognised worldwide. Co-curated by Claudia Zeff and Quentin Blake himself, the show provided a unique insight into the origins of some of Blake's most characteristic and popular creations. From Roald Dahl's 'The Twits' and 'Danny the Champion of the World' to his own 'Clown', and 'The Boy in The Dress' by David Walliams and illustrations to books by John Yeoman, Russell Hoban and Michael Rosen.

Illustration from The Twits © Quentin Blake

The exhibition featured over 140 works and brough together first drafts and storyboards, many never shown before 'Inside Stories', with finished art work to demonstrate how ideas evolved, often in close collaboration with the authors. It showed how Blake brings to bear a wide range of different techniques and media including inks, watercolours and pastels applied with a variety of touch, in response to the particular mood of a book and the nature of its characters, to create his distinctive and unforgettable illustrations.

'Quentin Blake: Inside Stories' was a touring exhibition from House of Illustration, and The Lightbox was the first venue to show the collection. Colin McKenzie, Director, House of Illustration said: 'Quentin Blake is an illustrator of world renown whose work is instantly recognisable to millions. This exhibition offer[ed] audiences of all ages a unique insight into both his work and working method.'

10 October 2015 – 17 January 2016