Famed for his iconic illustrations for author Roald Dahl, or more recently David Walliams, Quentin Blake has another exciting collaboration in the works with London’s very own Royal Parks. Expect charming signage to pop up at some of their fantastic green spaces, all designed by the world-famous illustrator.
The Royal Parks has commissioned 27 designs from Blake to appear on signs at some of their parks, with some already installed in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, as well as plans to include signs in Richmond and Greenwich Parks later in the year.
This project is part of a wider plan to improve, upgrade, and standardise signage across all of London’s Royal Parks by 2026, and we couldn’t think of a better way to kick things off than this exciting collaboration.
Blake said in a statement: “I am delighted that my drawings will find themselves in the Royal Parks. The inclusion of my illustrations on signs means that visitors can enjoy them, and that the everyday park rules and admonitions are offered in a cheerful and friendly spirit.”
Throughout his unmatched career, Blake has illustrated over 300 books with 18 iconic collections of work for Roald Dahl’s books like The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and James and the Giant Peach.
Now you can look forward to seeing Blake’s iconic style all over London, with these all-new illustrations taking over some of the city’s favourite Royal Parks.
Lucy Kellett, Head of Visitor Experience at The Royal Parks charity, said: “We want to experiment with a fresh approach to some of our signs so that visitors feel welcome in the parks while respecting the rules.”
“Quentin Blake’s signs are, quite literally, pieces of art and we hope that when people stop to appreciate them, they will smile but also understand the serious messages that lie behind the playful images. We all have a responsibility to care for our valuable green spaces.“
Be sure to check out the new signs at Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens as we wait for the project’s completion, with additional signs coming to Richmond and Greenwich Parks later this year.