REVIEW: Inside Stories – Quentin Blake at The House of Illustration

The House of Illustration has only just opened its doors to the public, though the idea for it was conceived more than 12 years ago. It was a group of illustrators, including Quentin Blake, who dreamed up this space. During those 12 years, The House of Illustration did quite a bit of backpacking. I’m incredibly excited it has now settled down in a spot I’ll be able to visit time and time again… for inspiration from historic to contemporary illustration. I love the idea that it is a place that will be “celebrating illustration in all its forms”.

 

“Inside Stories”, the centre’s first exhibition delves deep into Quentin Blake’s working process, showcasing his initial ideas from storyboards to his finished work.
As I mentioned in my previous post, this was definitely nostalgic for me. However, it surprised me by also covering stories I’d never seen or heard of before. Such stories as “The Clown”, a story communicating entirely non-verbally; “The Sad Book”, which explores loss and grieving and “The Boy In A Dress”, celebrating individuality, and which sees Quentin Blake addressing issues no longer so taboo in current times. The final cherry on top of this exhibition is a video, taking you into Quentin Blake’s studio and on a mini-voyage, sailing with his thought process as he creates the kind of illustrations that have been a magical part of children’s and adults’ lives all over the world.

 

The exhibit was enthralling and left me feeling creatively awoken and energized for another productive week… and I can’t wait to see what else The House of Illustration will have in store for us in the future!

 Granary Square, King’s Cross, is also home to Caravan (mmmm…. delicious brunch!) and Central Saint Martins…

I came across some Ping Pong BA (Hons) students, prepping for their final exam at CSM. The pressure was on!

 Granary Square often has cute these little food trucks, (that I need to try out one day!)

LONDON OUTINGS: 5 Exhibitions on right now

I love to plan outings to see art, illustration, design or anything that could inspire me…

Without further ado, here are 5 inspiring things going on in London right now:

1. Henri Matisse: The Cut-Outs at Tate Modern
   Until 7th September 2014
   
   Henri Matisse – The Sheaf, 1953.
   
   “Matisse became a warrior in a wheelchair.” – Coomber.
   This exhibition focuses on the work Matisse did when he was battling old age and illness, when he could no longer use a paintbrush, he picked up paper and scissors. I am really fascinated by the sound of this. I’m intrigued as to what kind of “warrior” he was… and whether beauty still arose in his work, at such a challenging time.
2. Quentin Blake – Inside Stories at House of Illustration
   Until 2nd November 2014
   
   Quentin Blake at House Of Illustration.
   
   I really did grow up getting lost inside books of Quentin Blake’s and Roald Dahl’s fascinating worlds. Sounds like a very welcome nostalgia trip to me!
3. Marshmallow Laser Feast – Forest at The Bloomberg Space
   Until 14th September 2014
    
   Marshmallow Laser Feast – Forest, 2014.
   
   To be quite honest, I really am not sure what this is, yet I feel compelled to experience it! Described as a “large, interactive, musical laser installation is composed of musical ‘trees’ made of steel rods and lasers which visitors can physically tap, shake, and pluck. Interacting with the trees causes them to swing and oscillate, creating vibrating patterns of light and sound. Each tree is tuned to a specific tone, creating harmonious sounds spatialised and played in surround sound.” Ok, you’ve sold it to me, I’m in!
4. An Idiosyncratic A to Z of the Human Condition at The Wellcome Collection
   Until 12th October 2014
   
   Marc Quinn – Silvia Petretti – Sustiva, Tenofivir, 3TC (HIV), 2005. Wax & drugs.I’ve only been to The Wellcome Collection once before, to see a wonderful exhibition featuring Bobby Baker’s drawings. I’ve wanted to go back, but never saw anything that caught my eye until now… This sounds like a very interesting mix of art and medical artefacts about a subject that affects us all!
5. Boyhood – dir. Richard Linklater at cinemas across London
   Released 11th July 2014
   
   Ellar Coltrane in Boyhood.So, technically this is not an exhibition, this is my wildcard of the list. However, I still do consider this film a work of art.
   Linklater has taken a very courageous chance and decided to do something no-one’s ever done before… making a film with the same actors over 12 years, watching them grow. Sounds slightly odd but it actually becomes a very gripping piece of filmmaking. I won’t want to say more than that, there’s nothing worse than a spoiler. Go and see this film!