REVIEW - QUENTIN BLAKE AND ME EXHIBITION | THE LOWRY | 19/07/2025

Quentin Blake and Me at The Lowry – A Whimsical, Wonder-Filled Celebration of Stories

📚 From Page to Gallery – A Magical New Exhibition

Following the huge success of Julia & Axel – Thirty Years of Favourite Stories, The Lowry has pulled off another family-friendly triumph – this time in honour of the legendary Quentin Blake. Opening on 19th July as part of the venue’s 25th birthday celebrations, Quentin Blake and Me invites visitors into a vibrant, immersive world filled with more than 100 original illustrations, playful installations, and hands-on creative opportunities.

Quentin Blake’s unmistakable style has shaped the childhoods of generations, bringing to life classics such as Matilda, The BFG, The Boy in the Dress, and Mr Stink. The exhibition captures not just the magic of his work, but also his joy in encouraging children (and grown-ups) to draw, imagine, and tell their own stories.

👦👧 Our Family Adventure at the Launch

We were lucky enough to attend the launch event, and while the buzz of the opening day made the space feel a little too busy for Leo, The Lowry had plenty of other activities he could enjoy. Ear defenders are available at the gallery, and we had Leo’s own with us, but in the end he preferred looking at the paintings in the quieter permanent Lowry gallery, this calm gallery space was a welcome breather for him. Alice, however, had the time of her life – ear defenders firmly on and imagination in full flow.

Her favourite spot? The enormous wooden sailboat inspired by A Sailing Boat in the Sky, where she set off on an adventure to a pirate island in search of treasure. She also loved the tricky magnetic maze game, guiding a tiny metal ball through winding pathways with careful concentration.

For me, the highlight was seeing the original ink and watercolour illustrations from some of my most beloved childhood books – there’s something incredibly special about spotting those familiar characters up close, complete with pencil marks and crossings-out that show the creative process.

🎨 Art, Play & Imagination Around Every Corner

The exhibition has been cleverly designed to feel like both a gallery and a playground for the imagination. There are themed areas for different books, a peek into Quentin Blake’s recreated studio through a series of intriguing peepholes, dressing-up clothes inspired by The Boy in the Dress, Matilda-themed book stools, and even scented boxes from Mr Stink.

Every child is given a “Be Inspired” notebook on entry to fill with their own words and pictures – a lovely touch that makes the experience last long after you’ve left.

Even though Leo didn’t explore the main exhibition, he still had a brilliant time around the rest of the Lowry. He threw himself into the “Cockatoo Hunt” – finding ten hidden pairs around the building to claim his special sticker from the shop – designed a new boot for Mr Magnolia in The Lookout, coloured in Quentin Blake artwork, and curled up in the cosy Book Nook to read. We all enjoyed having our portraits drawn by local artists, a unique keepsake of the day.

💛 Accessibility and Quiet Spaces for All Families

The Lowry has worked hard to keep this exhibition free and welcoming for everyone. They’ve introduced a timed ticket system to help keep numbers manageable, which is a great step towards creating a calm and enjoyable experience.

While Leo wasn’t able to explore the exhibition this time due to the noise and crowds, I really hope The Lowry will offer some relaxed sessions soon—like they have for previous exhibitions. Those quieter, gentler visits make all the difference for families like ours. In fact, Leo’s already asked if we can come back when it’s quieter because he’s eager to see the exhibition for himself.

🛍️ A Treasure Trove of Quentin Blake Goodies

No visit to Quentin Blake and Me would be complete without a stop at the fully stocked gift shop inside the exhibition. It’s bursting with charming merchandise inspired by some of Blake’s most beloved books — from mugs, socks, and puzzles to other delightful items featuring favourites like Matilda, The Twits, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Enormous Crocodile, and many more.

Plus, there’s a special range of merch showcasing Quentin Blake’s rare and beautiful sketch of L.S. Lowry, making perfect keepsakes or gifts for fans of both iconic artists. Trust me, it’s hard to leave without taking something home!

🌟 Our Verdict – Swashboggling & Gloriumptious!

Quentin Blake and Me is a swashboggling, gloriumptious treat for story lovers of all ages. Whether you’re there to admire the incredible artwork, set sail in the giant boat, hunt for cockatoos, or dream up your own tales, this exhibition captures the joy, mischief, and creativity that make Quentin Blake’s work so beloved.

The perfect blend of nostalgia and play, it’s an unmissable summer (and beyond) adventure for families. As Blake’s characters leap from page to wall, you can’t help but feel inspired – it’s easel-ly one of the most joyful exhibitions you’ll see this year.

"Dive into a world where stories come alive, and every scribble sparks a new adventure — Quentin Blake and Me is creativity at its most gloriumptious!"

Quentin Blake and Me runs at The Lowry Galleries, Salford, until 4th January 2026. Entry is free but timed tickets must be booked in advance – you can reserve yours here: Book Tickets at The Lowry