Our Friends in the Country brings Blake’s figures into rural settings, endowing them with playful narratives and gentle companionship. While specific visuals may vary, the consistent use of watercolour and pen conjures delicate yet vivacious scenes – where every brushstroke is alive with possibility, seemingly embodying characters who have wandered in from a dream.
This series resonates with Blake’s long-standing fascination with placing unlikely companions in momentous yet tender encounters: from airborne conversations to whimsical birdwatching. These country friends echo his recurring themes of freedom, friendship, and quietly subversive wonder.
Quentin Blake’s illustrations radiate with spontaneity, empathy, and whimsical energy – each stroke revealing a life lived through joyous curiosity. His signature style, full of liveliness and emotional resonance, invites viewers into worlds where imagination reigns supreme. As Blake himself notes, drawing “looks as though it is done on the spur of the moment,” yet even such freewheeling sketches are underpinned by subtle planning and thoughtful intent.
Now in his early 90s, Blake continues to create with unflagging passion – sometimes beginning his day at 4am – and his illustrations remain fresh, accessible, and brimming with warmth.
This exhibition runs until Sunday 4th January 2026.
‘Our Friends in the Country’ #13, 2025. Image (c) Quentin Blake’
‘Our Friends in the Country’ #12, 2025. Image (c) Quentin Blake’
