Quentin Blake Artworks at Fundraising Sale for the Centre for Illustration
On the Wing cover artwork by Quentin Blake
Bonhams will host an online auction Airborne: A Fundraising Sale for the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration running April 21-29 April.
Sir Quentin Blake (born 1932) has worked on more than 300 titles, dozens of which he has writte himself. The proceeds of this special 53 lot sale will support the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration to transform a derelict 18th and 19th century waterworks in Clerkenwell, London, into a home for its work with illustrators, schools and community groups. Opening in spring 2026, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will exhibit illustrations from around the world and will also provide a home for Blake’s 40,000 plus work archive.
The sale includes original artworks from Moonlight Travellers. These watercolour journeys through unknown landscapes capture the mystery and intrigue of the dead of night, a contemplative series complemented by works exploring flight and flying and the fantasy world of ordinary people.
“From bouncing babies to mischievous birds, this exceptional selection captures Quentin’s characteristic warmth and humour, alongside some of the more contemplative elements of his work," said Lindsey Glen, Director of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. "The proceeds of the sale will help us realise his long-held vision for a national centre, a place where people can examine and create illustration in all its wonderous forms. Opening in beautiful surroundings next year, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will offer wide-ranging exhibitions and projects and create a springboard for tours and projects across the UK.”
The sale includes 16 works from Quentin Blake’s book On the Wing (2020) including the original work featured on the book’s cover, and an additional alternative cover executed in 2018.
Other highlights of the sale include:
- eight works from the Moonlight Travellers series, estimates of £2,000-3,000 each
- 15 works from the Airborne series, estimates of £1,500-2,000 each
- 11 works from another Airborne series executed in 2025, estimates from £300-500 to £1,000-1,500
- 16 works from the On the Wing series, estimates from £600-800 to £1,000-1,500
- Balloon, estimate of £800-1,200
