90 Candles: Limited Edition Quentin Blake Illustration Prints

Step into a world of whimsical line and vibrant colour as the Quentin Blake Centre marks a momentous milestone with a curated collection of limited edition illustration prints. This special project, ’90 Candles’, offers a rare opportunity to acquire exclusive artworks while exploring a uniquely captivating editorial theme: the rich illustrative history of casinos and slot machines.

Celebrating 90 Years of Quentin Blake

The ’90 Candles’ project is a landmark celebration of Sir Quentin Blake’s 90th birthday, honouring his enduring legacy as a titan of British illustration. For decades, his distinctive, energetic style has captured imaginations, most famously through his iconic illustrations for Roald Dahl’s beloved books, known and cherished worldwide. His contribution to culture was further cemented when he became the first UK Children’s Laureate, championing the power of visual storytelling.

The Legacy of a British Icon

Sir Quentin’s work transcends generations, characterised by its seemingly effortless ink lines and jubilant washes of colour. More than just accompaniments to text, his illustrations are narratives in their own right, brimming with character, emotion, and a timeless sense of mischief. This collection pays homage to an artist whose work is woven into the very fabric of British creative history.

Exclusive Limited Edition Artworks

To mark this special occasion, the Quentin Blake Centre has curated a selection of exclusive limited edition prints. These are not mass-produced reproductions, but carefully released artworks, offering collectors a tangible piece of this celebratory year and a direct connection to the artist’s extraordinary career.

The Art of the Casino: Illustrated History

Moving beyond the familiar, the ’90 Candles’ collection shines a light on a fascinating and often-overlooked niche: the vibrant world of casino and slot machine art. This editorial focus celebrates the illustrative design that adorned traditional British gaming halls and amusement arcades. It’s a history etched in brilliant colours and graphic motifs, a world away from today’s digital screens.

Slot Machine Art & British Amusement History

The classic illustrated slot machine is a piece of social and design history. These ornate cabinets, once the glittering centrepieces of traditional British seaside arcades in resorts like Brighton and Blackpool, featured hand-painted glass panels and detailed metalwork. Themes ranged from lucky fruits and bells to elaborate narrative scenes, all rendered in a bold, illustrative style designed to enchant and entertain.

Illustrated Casino Design Through the Decades

Casino design illustration evolved throughout the 20th century, mirroring broader artistic trends. From the opulent, gilt-laden interiors of early establishments to the sleek, mid-century modern graphics and the psychedelic palettes of the 70s, illustration was key to creating an atmosphere of glamour, chance, and excitement. This collection explores that visual journey, appreciating the artists behind these immersive environments.

Curated Limited Edition Prints for Collectors

Each print in the ’90 Candles’ collection is produced to the highest possible standard, ensuring it is a lasting treasure. These are more than mere decorations; they are pieces of illustrated history, offering a distinctive and sophisticated alternative to mainstream art prints.

Archival Quality & Collectible Value

Every artwork is a museum-quality Giclée print on premium archival paper. This process guarantees exceptional colour fidelity and longevity, preserving the detail and vibrancy of the original illustrations for generations. As numbered limited editions, these prints hold inherent collectible value, marking a specific moment in the celebration of a national icon and a unique art historical theme.

A Distinctive Choice for Art Lovers

Whether you are a devotee of Quentin Blake’s work, a connoisseur of illustration history, or someone seeking art with a unique narrative, this collection offers a compelling choice. It bridges the gap between nostalgic charm and contemporary collecting, presenting talking points rich in cultural and design heritage.

The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

By acquiring a print from the ’90 Candles’ collection, you are directly supporting the vital cultural work of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. The QBC is on an exciting journey to establish its new national home for illustration in London, a first for the UK.

A New National Home for Illustration

This future centre will be a dedicated hub celebrating illustration in all its forms – from publishing and design to film and beyond. It aims to inspire new generations, showcase the breadth of the art form, and secure illustration’s rightful place in the cultural landscape.

Supporting the Future of the Art Form

The QBC is a charitable organisation, and proceeds from this collection fund its ambitious educational programmes, exhibitions, and outreach. Your purchase is an investment in the future of illustration, helping to nurture the next Quentin Blake and ensure this vibrant art form continues to flourish.

Do not miss this exceptional opportunity to secure a piece of the ’90 Candles’ celebratory collection. Own a slice of illustrative history, celebrate the legacy of a British icon, and play a direct part in supporting the future home of illustration for the nation. Explore the exclusive limited edition prints today and invest in a story worth telling.