Skip to main content

Please note that some areas of our site will be closed to the public on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December due to high winds. The Christmas Present Trail will be running as normal.

Christmas Opening Times
We will be open as usual except for the following dates – Christmas Eve – 10am – 3pm, Christmas Day and Boxing Day – Closed, New Years Eve – 10am – 3pm

Quentin
Blake

Birds, Beasts and Explorers

27 May 2023 – 1 October 2023

Quentin Blake: Birds, Beasts and Explorers ran from 27 May 2023 – 1 October 2023.

Showcasing over 70 original illustrations, this exhibition took inspiration from recurring themes in Blake’s work – birds, fantastical flying creatures and the joy of exploring in nature – as well as the flying creatures that call Compton Verney’s grounds home.

A whimsical illustration depicting monstrous creatures resembling hands and a dragon-like creature, carrying small human figures on their appendages.
Monster Readers. © Quentin Blake, 2007

About the
exhibition

Sir Quentin Blake (b.1932) is one of the most celebrated illustrators and writers of children’s books working today. Over the course of a career spanning several decades, Blake has illustrated more than 500 books, bringing to life treasured literary characters in his unmistakeable style and inspiring generations.