Sir Quentin Blake has been announced as the illustrator for the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
The illustrator, author and Children’s Laureate has provided new and exclusive artwork for the festival’s 2024 logo, which will be used across its programmes, poster and all marketing materials.
“The people in my drawings are always delighted to have another outing,” Blake said. “This time they are in the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival poster and you can see that they couldn’t be more excited about it.”
The festival is taking place between 22nd and 23rd June this year, with more than 100 readings, workshops and performances. Jacqueline Wilson, Axel Scheffler and Chris Riddell are featured in this year’s lineup, which also includes Sophie Dahl – the granddaughter of Roald Dahl.
“Generations of young readers have grown up loving Sir Quentin Blake’s instantly recognisable drawing style,” said festival director Amanda Brettargh. “He has conjured some of the most memorable figures in children’s literature from Dr Seuss to Roald Dahl, as well as his own quirky cast of characters like Mister Magnolia and Mrs Armitage. Like so many people, Sir Quentin was the illustrator of my childhood and we are bursting with pride that he has created this poster especially for Barnes and is now part of our festival family forever.”
Tickets for the event will go on sale on 27th April and the full programme is available online.