Dining With Quentin Blake

I am currently suffering from major post-holiday blues and speed writing my essay so I'm ready for heaps of pancakes at church tomorrow. But right now I'd like to skip back a few weeks to a time when I technically dined with Quentin Blake.

I say 'technically' because what this actually means is that I ate my boots meal deal whilst in the same room as him before his talk at the Southbank centre... But that counts, right?

I had four favourite parts to the evening.

Firstly, walking in London by night. I don't know why, but I love the night. Jeanette Winterson explains it better than me. Running in the night is even better.

Secondly, the atmosphere in the room. The room was small, with incredible floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the River Thames with the London Eye and nearly everyone in the room seemed to be an artist or illustrator. It was pretty inspiring to see people paint and sketch Quentin Blake as he spoke. Art is a nice way to remember things, I'd like to do this more.

Thirdly, one of Quentin's stories. He read us two letters he had received from a hospital patient. They explained how Quentin's art had had such a profound impact that this patient now felt ready to enter the world of work again because of it. Art can heal, I find this awesome.

Finally, actually seeing Quentin Blake in person! Roald Dahl's books teamed with Quentin Blake's illustrations were a major part of my childhood and so to see the man himself and hear him speak was amazing. We even made eye contact. I think I'm a little star struck.

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Bird Song by Florence + the Machine | White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes - awesome video