QUENTIN BLAKE

Pic: Volkan Vardar, unsplash

fabrics with texture. For a full-on, cosy aesthetic, opt for a dining table and sideboard in a darker stain wood, select rich colours for the soft furnishings, and if you are willing to risk the odd spillage or stain, have an accent rug under the dining table.

Paler woods, the addition of mirrors on the walls and metallic accessories, can help the room feel airy and will help to reflect natural light in the daytime. Good lighting above the table, paired with lower lights dotted around the room such as table and floor lamps, will give a really luxurious restaurant vibe to your everyday dining experience, creating a wow factor that is perfect for hosting friends and family for memorable meals.

If black is your go-to dark, then there are plenty to choose from. Whether you stay close to pitch black or opt for an interesting variation, Farrow and Ball, Little Greene Paint Company, Mylands, Zoffany, Lick, Sanderson, Designers Guild, Dulux and Crown, all do their own versions. There are a vast array of “off blacks” with Little Greene advertising on its website –warm red based blacks, cool blue based blacks, green based blacks and warm blacks with a hint of brown. Alternatively, dark greens, navy blues, rusty reds, aubergine purples and deep browns all have their own virtues so purchase a few sample pots and paint them on pieces of paper to test on the various walls of your room. It is critical to see how both the natural and artificial light reacts with the colour during the different times of day and evening. Bright contrasting colours in accessories or soft furnishings will stop the design looking drab and will add a freshness. There really is no limit on where or how you can use dark colours, they lend themselves to all aesthetics; be it Scandinavian, industrial, mid-century, maximalism or minimalism.

Artist Spotlight: Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl, Champions of the World

There are few illustrators in the world whose work is as recognisable as that of Sir Quentin Blake, and his relationship with the author Roald Dahl is perhaps one of the most loved partnerships in literature.

Now celebrating Blake’s 90th birthday, we’re also grateful for his work as a successful children’s author in his own right, creating stories and characters with vibrant illustrations in his own unique style. Author Jenny Uglow is quoted as says “All Quentin’s solo books have a low-key optimism, a belief in tolerance and in the ability of people to help each other”.

Quentin Blake has been recognised publicly on many occasions and was awarded Companion of Honour in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022 for services to illustration.

Words and Pictures, Pictures and Words

Born in London in 1932, Quentin Blake says he has been drawing for as long as he can remember. Having spent his career in illustration and teaching, he has worked with numerous writers, providing his vision for classic books, and creating his own characters and stories too.

Working together from 1976 - with The Enormous Crocodile - until Dahl’s death in 1990, Blake illustrated all but one of Roald Dahl’s books and has been quoted as saying his favourite is ‘The BFG’. While speaking of Blake, Dahl said he was “The finest illustrator of children’s books in the world today!”

For many of us, it seems impossible to imagine characters such as The BFG, Matilda or The Twits without visualising the illustrations we know and love. While, equally, it’s impossible to know if the classic stories of Roald Dahl would have had the same impact or appreciation without the accompanying artwork.

The Children’s Illustrator - Providing Memories and Inspiration

Exploring the work of the partnership, you may be inspired by your favourite character such as Matilda or The BFG, or a favourite moment like the discovery of The Golden Ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Among the stories told by Blake and Dahl there are so many such moments and characters to choose from.

We are very fortunate that Blake has released his work in the form of limited edition prints, enabling us to relive favourite moments again and again, giving them pride of place on our walls or sharing them with those we love. This month the gallery is celebrating Quentin Blake’s 90th birthday with some special Official Birthday Collector’s Edition Prints.

Celine Lee Gallery Correspondent www.therosegallery.co.uk