This summer, LOWRY invites visitors of all ages into the wonderfully offbeat world of Quentin Blake, the legendary illustrator whose pen has conjured up everything from snozzcumbers to mischievous monsters.
Opening on 19th July, this free family exhibition brings to life the magical world of Sir Quentin Blake, whose unmistakable drawings have lit up the pages of over 500 books, from The BFG to Mr. Stink.
Quentin Blake comes to LOWRY
Known for his squiggly lines, wild characters and wilder imaginations, Blake’s work has enchanted generations, and now, it’s leaping off the page and into LOWRY
Created in close collaboration with Quentin Blake and his studio, this vibrant exhibition is anything but a quiet stroll around some pictures. There’s a full-size sailing boat for kids to clamber aboard (inspired by A Sailing Boat in the Sky), a magnetic marble puzzle as tricky as Sinbad’s voyages, a hilarious Monster Portrait Gallery, and hands-on areas where children can dress up, doodle, write and dream up their very own stories.
And that’s just the start.
Amazing summer fun at LOWRY
The whole building is joining the fun. From free storytelling sessions and cockatoo trails, to creative crafts in The Lookout, a cosy Book Nook to snuggle into, and a brand-new Enormous Crocodile statue ready for the bravest visitors to selfie with — there’s mischief, magic and memory-making moments around every corner.
Blake has even created an exclusive portrait of LS Lowry himself for the exhibition: a perfect touch to mark The Lowry’s 25th anniversary celebrations, which champion creativity, community and art for everyone.
“It’s wonderful to be given such a generous and imaginative exhibition in such a special site,” says Quentin Blake. “It was an extra pleasure to be invited to make drawings of Lowry himself. It’s also very good that visitors to the show are invited to draw, I look forward to seeing some of the results!”
Michael Simpson, Director of Visual Arts at The Lowry
Michael Simpson, Director of Visual Arts at The Lowry, agrees: “LOWRY is always a terrific place for families, but never more so than in the holidays. We are delighted that Quentin has been so supportive and generous and, like us, he wants children and their families to come and have a great time – and do plenty of drawing and writing themselves!”
And the fun doesn’t stop when summer ends. The Lowry is bringing even more Blake magic to the stage this winter, with The Enormous Crocodile: The Musical snapping its way onto the Lyric stage from 9th December 2025 to 4th January 2026.
Quentin Blake and Me at LOWRY
Quentin Blake and Me runs from Saturday 19th July 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026 at The Lowry, located on Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ. Entry to the exhibition is free, though some events and activities may be ticketed. The galleries are open Tuesday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, and 10 am to 5 pm on weekends. For full details and to plan your visit, check LOWRY’s website here
