Book Cover Art Competition

15 May - 4 June 2024


Following the successful Quentin Blake: Book Covers exhibition, a competition inviting young artists 5-14 years to design their own book covers was launched. 

We received a remarkable 348 entries, showcasing the creative talents of our young community.  All the entries were judged and a shortlist from each age category was chosen.

This exhibition presents the highly commended artworks and prize winners from each age category chosen by the judging panel.  Whilst not every entry could be displayed due to space limitations, all applicants that successfully made the shortlist can view their work in the dedicated portfolios.

The exhibition will be open to the public from Wednesday 15 May 2024.

The prize winning artworks will be added to the website from 15 May.

Prizes sponsored by ASDA and Rugby Library: Warwickshire County Council.
 
 Cover illustration for Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban © Quentin Blake 2017

Quentin Blake: Book Covers

10 February to 11 May 2024


This exhibition featured 60 of Blake’s book covers from the 1960s to the present: from mid-century Penguin paperbacks to finely-crafted special editions and family-friendly poetry books. First editions were shown alongside reproductions of original artwork from Blake’s archive that show how he combines typography, dynamic layouts and his unique way of drawing to create playful designs.

Each cover is a new challenge for Blake. He has to capture the essence of a story without giving away too much of the plot or the ending. His illustrations need to be carefully balanced with the title and suitable for the printing process that will be used. At the same time, Blake’s designs must be eye-catching and appealing to the changing tastes of different readers.

This exhibition featured reproduction illustrations courtesy of Quentin Blake’s archive.
Quentin Blake: Book Covers is a touring exhibition from Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration website: www.qbcentre.org.uk
 
 Cover illustration for Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban © Quentin Blake 2017
Cover illustration for The Winter Sleepwalker by Joan Aiken © Quentin Blake 1994
Cover illustration for The Green Ship by Quentin Blake © Quentin Blake 1998
Selection of books published by Penguin. Cover illustrations © Quentin Blake 1961-1968 (photo by Justin Piperger)