The Illustration Cupboard

The Illustration Cupboard

The Illustration Cupboard is a London art gallery that exhibits for purchase original artwork by the world's leading contemporary book illustrators. The Cupboard was established in 1995 with the first of its annual winter exhibitions being held the following year. Since then there has been a continuous schedule of events including single artists exhibitions, theme events and the much-loved winter exhibition.

Outside the gallery events have also included working with hospitals, municipal galleries and museums as well as national festivals, such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival, to produce wide-ranging displays. There was recent ly a year-long touring exhibition to Australia.

Founder John Huddy studied art at school and went on to gain an MA (Hons) in History of Art at St Andrew’s University. Subsequently working at the auctioneers Christies in St James’s, London he has a specialist interest old master drawings and paintings. From a family closely connected with publishing John has long appreciated the outstanding range and quality of the books he grew up with, as well as having the good fortune to meet many of these talented artists from childhood.

'I started The Illustration Cupboard in the spare bedroom of my sister’s flat in 1995 when there was little interest in collecting contemporary book illustration artwork. Twelve years on I am pleased to regularly show the finest artwork in this field to a broad audience from our art gallery in St James’s, central London. Many of the artists in this exhibition are award-winning illustrators with international reputations, whose books sell throughout the world. I often think how lucky I am to have the opportunity to see this original work when so many thousands of others see only the printed page.'

In 2006 The Illustration Cupboard joined forces with Marjacq, the entertainment rights agency for games software, screenplays, books and licensing. Jacqui Lyons has bought extensive experience, knowledge and enthusiasm contributing to the vibrant, friendly and inspiring enterprise The Cupboard has become.

The Illustration Cupboard provides a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to acquire original artwork by many best-selling and internationally acclaimed artists, as well as the chance to purchase signed books and short-run giclee editions.

Entrance to all our events is free and families most welcome to our regular informal events. No appointment is necessary. We look forward to your visit.

For more information please call +44 (0) 207 976 1727
or email john@illustrationcupboard.com

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm
Saturday 12pm to 5pm

How to get there:
By tube: Green Park underground 3-5 minute walk. (Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee)

By Bus: 9, 14, 19, 22 and 38

By Car: There are three metre bays outside the gallery and others nearby. Hours run 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday, £4/hour. Congestion Charge applies during the week. 7am - 6pm weekdays. £8. See www.cclondon.com for further details.

The entrance is at ground level and offers easy access for wheelchairs.

Planning a visit? Other local highlights include The Royal Academy, The National Gallery, Christie's, Fortnum and Mason, Jermyn St shopping, Hatchard's booksellers as well as a short walk to Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and St James's Park.