1 Myddelton Passage, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 1AG
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
Museum & collection
Place photograph
6.7
Wildland
Check current exhibitions and events before planning your visit.
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A former Clerkenwell waterworks has been restored as a public home for illustration, bringing industrial heritage and changing exhibitions together on the site of New River Head.
This is an unusually specific London destination: three galleries for illustration set within restored waterworks buildings, with the site’s industrial past still part of the experience. It earns its place for that combination of art, architecture and infrastructure history, rather than for a natural or rural setting.
Atmospheric · Quirky
Find your way
Open map1 Myddelton Passage, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 1AG
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore changing illustration exhibitions in a restored Clerkenwell waterworks. The Centre also presents events and workshops; check the current programme and ticket details before you go.
Things to do
Explore the illustration galleries
Visit the Centre’s three galleries, which showcase illustration through regularly changing exhibitions. Check the current programme before going.
Look for the waterworks history in the setting
The Centre occupies restored buildings at New River Head, formerly part of a waterworks network. Open House describes the site as a hub of early urban infrastructure; notice the industrial character the restoration preserves.
Check for an event or workshop
The Centre lists events, lates and workshops alongside its exhibitions. Confirm what is scheduled and whether booking is needed.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check the current exhibition programme and allow time to explore the galleries.
A focused gallery visit
- 01
Check the current exhibitions and ticket information on the Centre’s official site.
- 02
Visit the galleries that most appeal to you; the Centre describes three galleries showcasing illustration.
- 03
If time allows, look around the site’s restored waterworks setting.
Half day · Check the current programme; no visit duration is specified in the supplied sources.
Exhibitions, then a closer look at New River Head
- 01
Plan around a current exhibition, event or workshop listed by the Centre.
- 02
Explore the three galleries and notice the preserved industrial character of the former waterworks buildings.
- 03
Finish with the Centre’s café or terrace if open during your visit.
Verified history
The Centre opened to the public on 5 June 2026 in restored buildings at New River Head, once part of a network that supplied water across London. Open House describes the site as an important hub of urban infrastructure. Illustrator Quentin Blake founded the organisation in 2002 to create a public place dedicated to illustration; the charity acquired the former waterworks site in 2019 and appointed Tim Ronalds Architects in 2020 to plan its restoration and new use.
Hidden details
A gallery inside former waterworks — The exhibition venue is set within restored waterworks buildings at New River Head. The site’s infrastructure history gives the gallery visit a distinctly industrial setting.
Gardens around the restored buildings — Open House describes the restored centre as including gardens around its galleries, learning studio, project space, café-event space and shop.
When to go
· Check opening and event information before visiting. The supplied official source lists Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm.
An indoor gallery destination with regularly changing exhibitions; the supplied sources do not identify a seasonal best time.
Predominantly an indoor visit. Check current travel and access information before setting out.
What to look for
Notice how the restored buildings retain their industrial character. Look out for the Centre’s three galleries, the gardens and the ways illustration moves between exhibitions, events and learning activities.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Year-round; exhibitions and events change, so check the programme before travelling.
Choose a day when the current exhibitions or events particularly interest you. The official site lists opening Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm; check for changes before travelling.
How long to spend
Check current exhibitions and events before planning your visit.
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Teens · Groups · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10am-5pm
- Thursday: 10am-5pm
- Friday: 10am-5pm
- Saturday: 10am-5pm
- Sunday: 10am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Public exhibitions and events; the official site says visitors can book in advance or on the day. Exhibition access requires a ticket, according to Open House. Check current details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting; no reliable parking details provided.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Open House lists toilets and an accessible toilet; confirm current facilities with the venue.
Food & drink
The official site describes toasties, coffee and snacks, and a terrace. Check current availability.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source record reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet. Open House lists step-free routes; consult the venue’s accessibility information before visiting for specific needs.
Cost
Paid
Water
Not applicable
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
