A DISPLAY of cover illustrations by one of Britain's most loved illustrators has gone on display at an exhibition in Cumnock.

Sixty of Quentin Blake’s book covers, from the 1960s to the present day, are being shown in the Baird Institute for free until January 7, 2023 as a celebration of the artist's upcoming 90th birthday on December 16.

Blake is best known for his cover illustrations for classic Roald Dahl books such as the BFG, The Witches, and Matilda, as well as his own picture books, and more recently for his work with other children’s authors such as David Walliams.

Laura Fletcher, exhibitions project manager at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration (QBCF), said: “The importance of a good cover design is often underestimated.

“We hope visitors will enjoy learning more about the process behind Blake’s cover illustrations and his working relationships with authors and publishers across seven decades.

"Visitors will be encouraged to draw their own book cover, inspired by some of the work they have seen on display.

“We are the UK’s only charity for illustration – the art we experience in our everyday lives. We want to empower people of all ages to tell their stories and encourage the use of illustration in the classroom, to teach subjects across the curriculum in fun and creative ways.

“It is really exciting for us to see venues using our touring exhibitions as part of their own learning programme.”

Alongside the exhibition, primary school pupils will be able to learn about Blake's book covers as well as the art of illustration through a creative learning programme and workshops that will be visiting schools.

The exhibition is open to the public during the Baird Institute's normal opening times - Thursday 12.30-4.40pm and 5-8pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm.

Hoping to expand their collection as well as their exhibitions, projects, and overall reach, the centre is restoring a derelict heritage site which will become their new building.

Laura added: “Quentin Blake’s career illustrating books began over 60 years ago with his covers for paperback fiction.

“Blake has described illustrating book covers as one of the most difficult things.

"Finding the right moment of the story to capture and meeting the requirements of different publishers is a skill he has developed throughout his career.

“As the UK’s best-loved illustrator, he has used varied typography, dynamic layouts and his unique way of drawing to inspire readers of all ages.”

Another exhibition, titled Quentin Blake: Illustrating Verse, that highlights Blake’s illustrations of poems, is also currently on show in Kilmarnock’s Dick Institute.

The centre is planning on announcing more events for the celebration of Quentin’s birthday with more information available at their website soon.