Gallery Title Cambridge Book & Print Gallery PBFA Logo

Quentin Blake OBE RDI (British b. 1932)


Quentin Blake was born in Sidcup, Kent on 16 December 1932, and was first educated at the local Church of England primary school. While a pupil of Chiselhurst & Sidcup Grammar School, he published his first drawings in Punch. During two years of National Service he taught English at Aldershot and illustrated a book for teaching illiterate soldiers to read. He read English at Cambridge.

He later attended life classes at Chelsea College of Art (under Brian Robb) while beginning to illustrate for the Spectator. He began freelancing in 1957, illustrating his first children's book in 1960. Among his prizes are the Kate Greenaway Medal (for Mr Magnolia), the Kurt Maschler Award (for All Join In) and the international Bologna Ragazzi Prize (for Clown).
Quentin Blake received an OBE in 1987 for his contribution to illustration and children's literature. In 1999 he was appointed the first children's laureate. His work appeals to both children and adults and is striking in its simplicity and in its ability to capture expression and movement with great ease. Quentin Blake is well-known for his witty and enchanting studies of animals.

References: Horne, Alan. The Dictionary of British Book Illustrators: 106.


Quentin Blake. Grimble

Illustration for Grimble by Clement Freud
drawn for Jackanory, BBC Television, 1971

Pen and ink and watercolour on board
42 x 51 cm.

£2,250

Quentin Blake. Grimble

Illustration for Grimble by Clement Freud
drawn for Jackanory, BBC Television, 1971

Pen and ink and watercolour on board
42 x 51 cm.

£3,650

Quentin Blake. We Really must Get Some Sleep



We Really must Get Some Sleep
Giclée print in colours on wove paper
2008
numbered from official collector's edition of 495
35 x 35 cm. (within mount)

£65 (within mount)


Quentin Blake. The Witches

The Witches

Giclée print in colours on wove paper
2007
numbered from official collector's edition of 495
37 x 41.5 cm. (within mount)

£75
(within mount)

©2001-2011 Cambridge Book & Print Gallery •

logo