Quentin Blake donates signed artwork to Swindon care home

A famous illustrator who worked with Roald Dahl has donated signed prints to a care home in Swindon.

Sir Quentin Blake sent 10 of his works to Fitzwarren House, which now adorn a downstairs coffee lounge, which has been renamed in his honor as thanks for this beautiful gift.

Home manager Sue Smith said: “Quentin has an interest in dementia and was delighted with the new salon name and hand-wrote the signs for us.

“The idea of ​​the prints is for residents to look at a particular image and discuss it – so a real conversation starter.

“The person facilitating the session can ask questions to give them more ideas and encourage residents to use their imagination or get lost in the story.”

House of Fitzwarren held an event earlier this month to mark the unveiling of the lounge’s new look, with special guest Gislaine Kenyon.

Ghislaine – who read a personal message from the illustrator before the ribbon cutting – wrote Quentin’s autobiography and is friends with care home resident husband Colin, Mary Wake, who framed the prints.

The 91-year-old cartoonist and children’s author has illustrated more than 300 books, including 18 by Roald Dahl.