QUENTIN BLAKE

This spring, the legendary artist Sir Quentin Blake returns to Hastings Contemporary with an exhibition of one hundred portraits.

Every artwork will be for sale and has been philanthropically donated by Sir Quentin, our Artist Patron, with prices starting at a few hundred pounds.

Quentin says, ‘For 40 years, I had an ancient house in Hastings Old Town, with boats close by, and then one day they built an art gallery at the bottom of the street. I have spent a lot of time over the years creating commissioned work and Hastings Contemporary inspired in me a freedom to make work for myself. Next year the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration will open in London, but Hastings will always be my spiritual home.’

The portraits on display will range from large works in watercolour pencil to postcard-sized pieces in biro.

Speaking about the creative process behind these works, Quentin says, ‘When I start to draw, I might have a sense of whether it will be a man or woman, young or old, but I discover the person while doing it… slowly I begin to meet the person and find out who they are.’

Liz Gilmore, Director of Hastings Contemporary, says ‘Whoever you are and however you do it, drawing can be transformative! These inspiring words stated by Quentin in our conversations about the making of this show capture the ethos and intentions of our gallery and the exhibition. Hastings and Rother is a place of astonishing creativity, we are inviting everyone to visit the gallery and make use of our Drawing Hub, a dedicated space for all ages and abilities to enjoy the power of drawing.’

Every artwork in this exhibition is for sale. Proceeds will support Hastings Contemporary’s charitable mission to bring world-class art to the town and will also benefit the other arts charity close to Quentin’s heart, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.

Drawing Hub

Surrounded by the work of Quentin Blake, you are invited to play with a range of drawing materials and processes in our dedicated drawing space. Make your mark and use drawing as a tool to explore our exhibitions. A space for everyone of all ages and abilities, whenever the gallery is open. Materials provided.

Sales catalogue

Browse the online sales catalogue to explore the full collection. To make a purchase or for any questions, email Agi at agnieszka@hastingscontemporary.org.

Press

Download the press release here.