Quentin Blake author page

Quentin Blake biography

Quentin Blake is a British illustrator and author, widely recognized for his distinctive and energetic illustration style. He is best known for his long-standing collaboration with author Roald Dahl, illustrating many of Dahl’s books including Matilda, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Blake has also written and illustrated his own books, such as Mister Magnolia and Clown.

Blake studied at the University of Cambridge and later attended the Chelsea School of Art and the Institute of Education. He began his career as an illustrator in the 1950s, contributing to magazines such as Punch. His first published book illustration was for A Drink of Water by John Yeoman in 1960. Over the decades, Blake has illustrated more than 300 books by various authors, including Michael Rosen, Russell Hoban, and Joan Aiken.

In addition to his work in children’s literature, Blake has contributed to education and literacy projects, and his artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums. He served as the inaugural Children’s Laureate in the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2001. Blake has received numerous honors for his contributions to illustration and literature, including being knighted in 2013 for services to illustration.

In 2020, Quentin Blake published Quentin Blake’s Book of Birds.