Five Questions with Sir Quentin Blake

Sir Quentin Blake: a self-portrait.

It does not seem an exaggeration to say that Sir Quentin Blake’s illustrations are among the most recognisable of all modern artists. With work spanning numerous decades, capturing beloved characters and stories with his signature characterful style: his drawings sit at the heart of British culture.

As celebrations for our 150th anniversary continue, for a limited time only, a selection of original works by Blake are currently housed within Liberty’s brand-new restaurant, Seventy Five. The first in a series of residencies from renowned artists.

Before you head into store to view these iconic creations for yourself, take a journey into Sir Quentin’s imagination, as he talks inspiration, style and over 70 years of sketching.

What, to you, makes the perfect subject for a sketch/drawing?

For me, I like a subject with some kind of activity in it. It may not necessarily be people running about, but something involving people expressing themselves, making gestures or even making faces, that’s the perfect subject to draw.

Your style is instantly recognisable for many people: how did your aesthetic develop?

It’s such a long time ago that I can hardly remember how my style developed. What was always important to me was that I liked using a scratchy pen nib because you could almost feel the activity that was going on. I still use a scratchy pen nib even now, but also several other implements; nevertheless the ‘spirit of scratch’ remains.

How has your work or style changed over the course of your career?

I am not sure that it has changed over time, but it has modified in response to various situations or briefs. To give only two examples, I was invited to illustrate Russell Hoban‘s extraordinary book Ridley Walker and I adapted my style to something very dark, shadowy and, I hope, sinister.

In another situation – not a book illustration at all – when I did drawings for two maternity hospitals, I was able to draw mothers and babies swimming about underwater. So although I had to keep on the alert, as far as anatomy was concerned, the effect was of something very relaxed.

What inspires you most in your work today?

I think it is being stimulated by an author I’ve not worked with before, or even by a change of their direction, or sometimes by a change of mood in their writing. For instance, Michael Rosen’s Sad Book was a very special project for me.

Sir Quentin Blake's works will be on display and available to purchase in Seventy Five at Liberty until 19th May 2025.