Quentin Blake's illustrations are instantly recognisable to millions of people around the world. A new exhibition to be held at London's House of Illustration will explore an unusual aspect of Blake's work, however, exhibiting for the first time 100 examples of his works of art. 100 Figures, will feature all of the 100 exhibited works - ranging from large-scale oil paintings to drawings and prints, created between the 1950s and today. Works included date back to his post-grad years in the 1950s when he struggled to make a living as an illustrator and took life-drawing classes at Chelsea School of Art. It was here that he first engaged with the human figure, but soon, having observed how the human body behaves, he found he was able to draw it from memory in any pose, working from his vivid imagination. 100 Figures will also offer the chance to catch a rare glimpse of early oil paintings by Blake - some painted on hardboard since he was unable to afford canvases at that time and painted using commercial house-painters' brushes.
About the AuthorQuentin Blake taught for many years at the Royal College of Art, where he was head of the Illustration Department from 1978 to 1986. As well as being known for his collaborations with writers such as Russell Hoban and Roald Dahl, his own creations, such as Mister Magnolia, have contributed to his reputation as one of the world's leading illustrators and an inspiration for artists everywhere.
Book InformationISBN 9781849766159
Author Sir Quentin BlakeFormat Hardback
Page Count 128
Imprint Tate PublishingPublisher Tate Publishing