Work is underway on a national centre for illustration celebrating the work of much-loved artist Quentin Blake.

The project, to convert a historic waterworks in Clerkenwell into the 'world's largest' arts space dedicated to illustration, is set to open in early 2026.

Islington-based illustrator Marion Deuchars and Quentin Blake’s creative consultant Claudia Zeff joined the project team as a modern partition within the historic Coal Stores was demolished, opening it up to become the largest of four new exhibition spaces.

Demolition work begins at the Quentin Blake Centre for IllustrationDemolition work begins at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration (Image: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration)

The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will feature exhibitions, learning areas, a café, shop, and public gardens, and engage in creative projects with schools, families, and community groups.

The project fulfils Quentin Blake's long-standing vision of a permanent national centre for illustration, which he views as an integral part of storytelling and communication worldwide.

The centre will house Blake's vast archive - the most extensive of any British illustrator - including his work with writers Roald Dahl and David Walliams.

The project has already raised £12.5 million to restore and convert the New River Head heritage site, which was central to London's water supply from the 1600s.

Lindsey Glen, director of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, said: "We’re so excited that work has begun!

"Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and our generous supporters, the Quentin Blake Centre will breathe new life into New River Head’s atmospheric engine house, windmill base and stores, offering exhibitions, creative projects, gardens and play.

"It will be a welcoming, vibrant place where everyone’s stories and ideas matter, and every visitor leaves looking differently at the world around them."

Mr Blake said: "New River Head will be the most extraordinary home for the art of illustration; the building could not be more appropriate if we’d designed it specially, and its setting is especially charming and sympathetic.

"One day soon it will show some of my archive of several thousand original drawings but, much more importantly, it will be an international centre for the display, discussion and celebration of the extraordinary wealth of illustration.

"We’re thrilled and thankful to have The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support behind us."

A public campaign is ongoing to meet the remaining funding target.

Details of how to support the centre are available at qbcentre.org.uk/support.