Illustrators unveil the hidden language of children's books

From the chaotic worlds of Roald Dahl to the bewitching tales of Julia Donaldson, children’s illustrators are revealing the surprising depth and deliberate artistry behind the books that shape young minds. A new £17 million centre in London is set to celebrate this often-overlooked art form.

A national home for illustration

The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, opening next month, promises to be the world’s largest institution dedicated to illustration. Housing Blake’s vast archive – 40,000 drawings spanning a century – the centre aims to elevate illustration beyond the margins and firmly establish it as a cornerstone of British culture. But what exactly defines this crucial role?

Beyond decoration: the power of visual storytelling

For decades, illustrators have been relegated to the status of mere ‘decorators,’ yet they are, in reality, co-creators. As Quentin Blake himself explains, “What is particularly wonderful about it is that it’s a language everybody understands.” The process, often surprisingly intense, can demand weeks or even months of dedicated work, fueled by a deep understanding of both the text and the visual narrative.

The collaborative dance

Consider the Gruffalo, where Axel Scheffler’s striking design complements Julia Donaldson’s lyrical text, or the mischievous antics of the Twits, brought to life by Quentin Blake’s distinctive scratchy style. ‘We are a bit in the shadow,’ admits Scheffler, ‘Our books are called picture books, so we’re an important part of the process. It’s a very underestimated art form, the author and illustrator creating something together.’

Unlocking emotional literacy

Beyond aesthetics, illustration plays a vital role in developing children's emotional intelligence. As Sarah McIntyre, author and illustrator of numerous bestsellers, asserts, “Illustrating a story is one of the primal human instincts.” From the evocative