Though Quentin first began illustrating from a young age, even being published in the magazine Punch at the age of 16, he studied English Literature at Cambridge University, before attending Chelsea School of Art and Camberwell College of Art.
When Quentin first started illustrating books, he was also teaching English in a French school based in London, subsequently moving to the Royal College of Art to teach illustration for over 20 years, leading the department for nearly a decade.
His best-known collaborations include those with writers Russell Hoban, Joan Aiken, Michael Rosen, and, of course, Roald Dahl. Quentin has illustrated more than 300 books and has won many major prizes across the globe for illustration, including the Kate Greenaway Medal (now the Carnegie Medal for Illustration), the Red House Children’s Book Award, the Bologna Ragazzi Prize, and the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration.
His dedication to art has spanned across decades and his globally recognised artworks can be found beyond children’s books, creating branding ranging from commercial companies such as Ben’s Cookies and The Chocolate Detective, to campaign groups and charities like Farms for City Children and the Royal Parks. His illustrations have appeared on clothing, tote bags, postcards, mugs, even a book bus!
In 2023 the BBC first aired Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasure, taking some of his best-loved books and transforming them into award-winning animated episodes.
A tireless promoter of children’s literature and illustration, he has been awarded a CBE for his services to Children’s Literature. He is based in London.
