Quentin Blake Visits Sidcup Library
World famous illustrator and children's book author Quentin Blake CBE held a group of children from Birkbeck School spellbound when he answered questions on his life and work during a special visit to Sidcup Library last week (3 May).
Quentin signed a special illustration he had created for the children's area of the library and cut a ribbon to open its new 'Quentin Blake Corner'. The corner contains some of the many books he has written on his own or illlustrated for a range of famous authors, among them Roald Dahl, Michael Rosen and John Knowles.
"We were all delighted to hear Quentin discuss his work in such a relaxed and entertaining way," said Cllr Peter Catterall, the Council's Cabinet member for Leisure & Culture. "I am so pleased that the children had the chance to meet such a distinguished man and we are very grateful to him for visiting the library and for his wonderful illustration for the children's corner."
"He captured the magic involved in the process of creating literature for children and I hope he has inspired some of the youngsters to follow in his footsteps."
Quentin, who was born in Sidcup in 1932, spent almost half an hour answering questions put to him by the children. He told them that he had attended Lamorbey Primary School in Hurst Road as a child and how he became an illustrator after originally training as a teacher.
He has spent 45 years as an illustrator, but it is clear that his appetite for his craft is as strong as ever. He told the children: "I work with different writers, so I never know what's coming next!"
When asked how he feels when he is working on an illustration, Quentin explained that he loves his work and tries to put himself into the mood of the person he is portraying.
He told the children that he enjoyed his time as a pupil at Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School, where he drew for and later edited the School Magazine.
The children were especially interested in Mr Blake's memories of Roald Dahl, many of whose most famous books he illustrated. Their partnership began with the 'The Enormous Crocodile', which he drew for the children while he spoke. He explained that he initially thought Roald looked "a little cross", but they got to know each other well and Quentin visited the Dahl family at their house in Great Missenden many times.
"Quent" as Roald Dahl called him, explained that the favourite character he has drawn was the 'The BFG'. He drew some sketches of the famous Big Friendly Giant for the children and explained how his distinctive appearance had evolved through his discussions with Roald Dahl.
He told the children that he still draws everyday and has illustrated in the region of 300 books for children. He explained that it generally takes him about six weeks to illustrate a book and that he takes notes, draws rough sketches and discusses his ideas to make sure everyone is happy before he works up his final illustrations.
Quentin said he enjoys writing and illustrating his own books from time to time, but that he particularly enjoys thinking about how words and his illustrations will come together on the page.
After talking at length to the children, Quentin signed books for them and presented the sketches he had drawn during his conversation to Birkbeck School and Sidcup Library.
He then joined the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Brian Beckwith, the Mayoress Cllr Aileen Beckwith, Cllr Peter Catterall and local Councillors to formally launch the Council's e-Library service.
The online service is available seven days a week and 24 hours a day and lets people find items in libraries in Bexley, renew any items they have borrowed and find out about local community organisations and events.
You can explore the e-Library service for yourself at www.bexley.gov.uk
