About the 90 Candles Project
The 90 Candles Project is a vibrant initiative from the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, celebrating the legendary illustrator’s 90th birthday and his enduring influence on visual culture. It’s a celebration that extends beyond a single artist, igniting a wider conversation about the power and presence of illustration in our everyday lives.
Our Mission: Celebrating a Legacy of Illustration
Our mission is to champion the art of illustration across the UK. This means honouring the indelible mark of Quentin Blake himself—from his iconic work for Roald Dahl to his celebrated editions for the Folio Society—while also supporting the next generation of visual storytellers. We are dedicated to engaging the public, demonstrating that illustration is not just for children’s books but a vital and sophisticated art form.
A Home for Illustration
This mission is physically embodied in our new, permanent home at New River Head in London. This historic site is being transformed into a dynamic hub where exhibitions, workshops, and events will bring illustration to life for visitors of all ages.
Supporting Artists & Audiences
Through our shop and programmes, we create vital opportunities for contemporary illustrators while building an informed and passionate audience. We believe in making illustration accessible, relevant, and appreciated in all its forms.
Our Editorial Focus: The Art of Play
Our online shop features a unique editorial focus: exploring the niche and fascinating history of illustrated casino art and slot machine design. We delve into a world where graphic art meets chance, showcasing prints and writings inspired by the vibrant visual heritage of gaming.
Casino & Slot Machine Art History
Our editorial team researches the rich design history of the casino floor, from the ornate, hand-illustrated cabinets of historic UK manufacturers like Barcrest to the architectural splendour of iconic venues such as the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square. We examine how illustration has been used to captivate, entertain, and define an era of leisure.
A Curated Collection
The resulting collection is a curated journey into this specific artistic realm. We offer limited edition illustration prints that reimagine classic motifs and celebrate the bold aesthetics of a uniquely illustrative industry, all created with a modern, artistic sensibility.
Our Collaborative Approach
Authenticity and insight are paramount. To achieve this, we work collaboratively with a dedicated network of illustrators, curators, and historians. This ensures every print we offer and every article we publish is rooted in genuine appreciation and expert knowledge of the craft.
Expert Curation
Our editorial team and specialist partners meticulously research each theme, ensuring our content is both accurate and engaging. We connect the dots between commercial design history and contemporary illustration practice.
A Community of Creatives
From London’s renowned design studios to talented artists across the UK, we foster a community of creatives. This collaborative spirit fuels our project, allowing us to present diverse perspectives on illustration, from the nostalgic to the avant-garde.
The 90 Candles Project and its shop invite you to explore the rich, often overlooked, worlds of illustration. Whether your interest lies in the beloved sketches from a childhood storybook or the fascinating graphic design history of a spinning reel, we celebrate the craft, the culture, and the sheer joy of illustrated art in all its forms.