Legendary children’s author Roald Dahl – the man behind characters such as Willy Wonka, Matilda and The Big Friendly Giant – shall be gracing envelopes nationwide, as he finds his beloved characters honoured in a series of stamps released today (10th January 2012) by the Royal Mail. The stamps feature illustrations by Quentin Blake, Britain’s first Children’s Laureate, who illustrated all but one of Dahl’s books and is therefore synonymous with his literature.
The Royal Mail is also releasing a special sheet of four stamps commemorating the 30th anniversary of The BFG, which depict scenes from the novel, as well as an illustration that shows the meeting between the Giant and the Queen, featuring the quote “‘Your Majester,’ he said. ‘I is your humbug servant.’ He bowed again.”
These stamps confirm the Quentin Blake fever that is hitting the country at the moment, as they coincide with a new exhibition of Blake’s illustrations at London’s Foundling Museum. Quentin Blake – As large as life (12 January – 15 April 2012) presents recent works by Blake that were commissioned by four hospital wards in the UK and France.
Quentin Blake, From the series Our Friends in the Circus (2009) © Quentin Blake. This series depicts images of senior circus characters - jugglers, tightrope walkers, fire-eaters and clowns - celebrating the longevity of well-practised talents. This series is from a mental health ward for older adults at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow.
‘I think the presence of pictures helps to make being in, or visiting a hospital a more normal, less alien experience,’ Blake explains. ‘What I have tried to include is a certain amount of detail, some interesting activities, and some suggestions of the little drama of relationships, so that the viewers – especially any who have to wait – may feel the desire to go on looking and perhaps even to speculate about the stories happening in front of them.’
Quentin Blake, From the series Ordinary Life in Vincent Square (circa 2010) © Quentin Blake. This work was commissioned for the Vincent Square Eating Disorder Clinic, London. It celebrates the quiet poetry and pleasures of everyday life, with characters engaging in activities such as feeding birds on a windowsill, walking a dog, shopping in a street market and painting a self-portrait.
Foundling Museum director Caro Howell comments, ‘Quentin Blake’s vision of the world has accompanied generations from infancy to adulthood, so much so that he is part of our cultural DNA. This exhibition demonstrates his unique gift for combining humour, compassion, observation and the imaginary.’
Artfinder has partnered with The Foundling Museum to produce a free iPad app for the exhibition, which allows you to view and purchase two very special and exclusive limited edition prints commissioned from Blake for The Foundling. The app will be launched later this week – more information to follow!
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