Quentin Blake art draws people to WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre

Three seasonal trails highlighting the best of the UK’s wetland nature will be running at WWT Llanelli from 18 May until February 2024 as part of a partnership between renowned illustrator Sir Quentin Blake and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.

Throughout the partnership, “Drawn to Water: Quentin Blake at WWT”, Llanelli Wetland Centre will run three seasonal trails with guides using selected little seen-before illustrations of watery nature from Quentin Blake to help inspire visitors to view the wonder of wetland nature in a different way.

Each of the trails, Spring/Summer, Autumn, and Winter, will highlight the amazing nature that arrives each season, showcasing new life, sparkling water and visiting birds, helping everyone experience nature in new, unexpected ways through Quentin Blake’s work 

These trails will run alongside a range of art and illustration activities to inspire all ages and abilities, helping everyone experience nature in new, unexpected ways. 

Spring and summer highlights include wildflower meadows bursting with colour and dancing butterflies; perfect for imagining yourself as one of Quentin’s carefree characters enjoying nature, free of the worries of everyday life.

Commenting on the partnership Quentin Blake said: “I am delighted to be sharing my pictures with WWT sites and their visitors through the Drawn to Water experience. This project appealed to me because I have a lifelong fascination of drawing wetland wildlife, especially birds.

“I can’t quite explain why but it may be because like us, they are on two legs and have expressive gestures. The drawings you will see are from my own personal archive, and many have rarely been seen in public before.

“Through Drawn to Water I hope that seeing my artwork in places where these creatures are thriving will allow new audiences to enjoy wetland wildlife as much as I do, perhaps prompting a few people to pick up a pen, pencil or even a quill and do their own drawing.”

Jessica Thompson, Marketing Manager at WWT Llanelli, said: 

“Quentin Blake’s illustrations appeal to people of all ages, and his love for wetland nature shines out from his vivid characters. 

“Who can resist smiling when they see the big personalities of his unmistakable creations?

“These beautiful trails invite our visitors to immerse themselves in the wetlands and explore new parts of the nature reserve like never before.

“Follow Quentin’s carefree nature-loving characters and make your own meaningful connections with wetland wildlife in every season. No matter your age, you’ll find something special.”