a DAMN FINE weekend

This past weekend I headed off back down south (leaving the chill of t'North behind for a few days), as I was lucky enough to get a ticket for an 'In Conversation' with both Quentin Blake and Oliver Jeffers at the Southbank Centre in London. Now, this was kind of a big deal for me. Oliver Jeffers? Sure, love him, but Quentin Blake?! THE Quentin Blake, possibly one of the most iconic illustrators of the last century (and, of course, the man responsible for bringing Roald Dahl's Big Friendly Giant - that's BFG to you and me to life?!) This was exciting.

The event was absolutely excellent, with both artists talking a bit about their working methods (fun fact: Quentin Blake often draws with a quill pen), their early influences, the impact of their work of contemporary illustration, and their past collaborations with other artists and writers. It was very interesting (and quite reassuring) to hear that even professionals at the very top of their game remember starting small, and all the trials and tribulations of trying to find a niche for themselves. 

After the talk I hotfooted it over to King's Cross to visit the House of Illustration museum, in order to catch the Quentin Blake exhibition the day before it closed.  

Another fun fact: this postcard was designed by Laura Carlin

Helpful signs for the geographically impaired (like me)

Visiting the musuem was a wonderful experience. It's very small and rather tucked away, so there is a great atmosphere of intamacy and enjoyment, with everyone drinking in the wonderful artwork, and many people (like myself) reliving their childhoods through the images on display.

And, also, I got to see the original illustrations from both The Twits and The BFG. Awesome.