10 Interesting Quentin Blake Facts

Quentin Blake Facts present the information about the prolific English children’s writer, cartoonist and illustrator. He was known as Sir Quentin Saxby Blake. There were several books written by Roald Dahl illustrated by Blake. Due to his contribution to the children books, he was awarded with international Hans Christian Andersen in 2002. Blake takes the status as the patron of the Association of Illustrators. Moreover, he served as the inaugural British Children’s Laureate in 1999 until 2001. Here are other interesting facts about Quentin Blake to notice:

Quentin Blake Facts 1: the birth date and birthplace

The birthplace of Blake was in Sidcup, London in 1932. During the Second World War, he was evacuated to West Country.

Quentin Blake Facts 2: the early education

Blake had his early education at Holy Trinity Lamorbey Church of England Primary School and Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School. He was interested in literature after being encouraged by J. H. Walsh, his English teacher. Check facts about literature here.

quentin blake image

Quentin Blake Facts 3: the first published drawing

When Blake was 16 years old, he had his first drawing published in Punch. It was a satirical magazine.

Quentin Blake Facts 4: the college life

In 1953 until 1956, he was at Downing College, Cambridge to study English Literature. Then he was enrolled to Chelsea School of Art and Camberwell College of Art.

quentin blake pic

Quentin Blake Facts 5: teaching English

Blake worked at the Lycée Français de Londres as an English teacher in 1960s. Then he worked at the Royal College of Art. In 1978 until 1986, he served as the head of the Illustration department.

Quentin Blake Facts 6: “The Wonderful Button”

One of the promising works of Blake was “The Wonderful Button”. In 1961, it was published Abelard-Schuman.  Blake illustrated it for Evan Hunter.

quentin blake pictures

Quentin Blake Facts 7: the illustrated books of Blake

There are at least 300 books, which have been illustrated by Blake. Some of them were written by the notable authors like Dr. Seuss, Nils-Olof Franzén, Roald Dahl, Elizabeth Bowen and Joan Aiken. Great Day for Up! (1974) by Dr. Seuss was illustrated by Blake.  Check facts about Roald Dahl here.

Quentin Blake Facts 8: Jackanory

Jackanory was the program of Blake aired in BBC where he became the occasional presenter in 1970s.

quentin blake images

Quentin Blake Facts 9: postage stamps

Episodes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens in 1993 featured the five British Christmas issue postage stamps designed by Blake.

Quentin Blake Facts 10: the Blake Society

The patron of the Blake Society is Quentin Blake. He also serves as the patron of the Big Draw.

quentin blake facts

What do you think on facts about Quentin Blake?