Quentin Blake is one of the country’s most-loved illustrators, famous amongst children and adults alike for his iconic depictions of our favourite characters – from Matilda to Mister Magnolia. 

Quentin says “I do a freewheeling sort of drawing that looks as though it is done on the spur of the moment. However, even a single drawing needs a certain amount of preparation and planning.” Where do you think he started with this artwork? 

Quentin Blake, Draw the World, 2002. Part of the Paintings in Hospitals collection.

Quentin has written ‘Assorted Bird Life of the Big Draw' at the bottom of the artwork. The colourful birds have a fantastical feeling about them, patterned and highlighted with vivid colours, some with orange and yellow spots. It looks as though they are all travelling somewhere together. Where do you think they are going?  

Draw the World was created as part of a 2002 celebration for The Big Draw Festival, a yearly smorgasbord of drawing where everyone can go to the drawing board to learn, express themselves and invent. Quentin was an original patron of the charity and was very involved in the events in its first decade – as was Paintings in Hospitals. We were involved in the launch of the festival in 2002 as the healthcare partner of the project. Since its entry into the Paintings in Hospitals collection, this artwork has been consistently on display at different hospitals across London: Royal Brompton Hospital, Harefield Hospital, and City & Hackney Hospital.

Quentin Blake, Life Under Water 5 and Life Under Water 6, 2009. Also part of the Paintings in Hospitals collection.

Quentin is involved in many different charities and has produced work for many hospitals and wards across the country, most recently at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Quentin also offers fun and free colouring activities on his website. And you can even take an online tour of his studio!

See more from the Paintings in Hospitals art collection...