This delightful new exhibition at the Foundling Museum celebrates the much-loved artist and writer, Quentin Blake. Blake has generously given the museum twenty four previously unseen drawings. Here, in a reversal of the norm – where words would usually be written and then illustrated – writers (including Blake's long-time collaborator, Michael Rosen) have responded to the illiustrations with poems.
The works are from two series, drawn many years apart – Children and Dogs (2004) and Children, Birds and Dogs (2019). The latter were drawn especially for the museum. This isn't a show for littles but we think would engage and inspire older children learning to express themselves through creative writing and through drawings. We particularly loved a poem called Becoming by Roshni Goyate who was new to us.
The Talking Statue outside the museum is well worth listening to to learn about Thomas Coram and this gem of a museum. And remember that Coram Fields is a little oasis of green right in the heart of London.
The Foundling Museum is running a competition, inviting children to write and illustrate their own chapters of a story, inspired by one of Blake's new works. They are also holding a series of curated digital and IRL events by Lauren child, exploring the roles of illustrators and writers in addressing children's fears and anxieties. All details on their website.
Quentin Blake: Gifted
Foundling Museum,
25th June to 26th September 2021
To book tickets and for further details of events and competitions visit the museum website foundlingmuseum.org.uk
Anya Waddington 25th June 2021