'These otherwise unremarkable characters obtain a freedom of expression having been transplanted - apparently unaided - to the unfamiliar medium of life among the clouds.' (Quentin Blake, on the Airborne series, Hastings, 2020)' We are delighted to present 'Airborne: A Fundraising Sale for the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration', which comprises of 53 lots by the much-loved illustrator Quentin Blake, depicting his characters in various modes of flight. Whether travelling by wings, or inflated as a balloon, the people and creatures in this sale are lifted into the air, and go about their daily lives amongst the clouds. All of the pieces in the auction have been donated by the artist, and will be sold in aid of the Quentin Blake Centre of Illustration. Founded by Quentin Blake in 2002 as House of Illustration, Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK's first and only charity for illustration &#8211; art that tells storeys. In 2019 the charity acquired New River Head, a former waterworks in Clerkenwell, London, which is in the process of being restored, and will open as Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration in 2026. Each of these drawings, ranging from a knitting angel, to a floating dog, will help to support a wonderful cause.

Sir Quentin Blake (British, born 1932) Flying by Umbrella (unframed) (Executed in 2022)

Sir Quentin Blake (British, born 1932) On the Wing (Alternative Cover) (unframed) (Executed in 2018)

Sir Quentin Blake (British, born 1932) Moonlight Travellers No. 11 (unframed)

Sir Quentin Blake (British, born 1932) Airborne No. 9 (unframed) (Executed in 2025)

Sir Quentin Blake (British, born 1932) On the Wing No. 9 (unframed) (Executed in 2018)

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For all Sales categories, buyer's premium excluding Cars, Motorbikes, Wine, Whisky and Coin & Medal sales, will be as follows: Buyer's Premium Rates 28% on the first &#163;40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of &#163;40,000 up to and including &#163;800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of &#163;800,000 up to and including &#163;4,500,000; and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of &#163;4,500,000.A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 &#8211; Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.VAT at the current rate of 20% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges excluding Artists Resale Right.

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Rachael Swann

Mary Gatenby

India Ross