'An Anthology of Readers'

A selling exhibition of new works, 'An Anthology of Readers' features 72 drawings focusing on people of all ages enjoying the act of reading books.  The main body of work, in pen, ink and watercolour halftone, was created for publication in Quentin's series of books 'The QB Papers' - under the title Constant Readers - but these have been augmented by a further dozen works specially for this show.  

Quentin commented, 'Reading is interesting to me and as it happens it is the only thing in which I have a qualification, a Cambridge degree' (he studied English at Downing College under F R Leavis in the 1950s).  'But of course what is really interesting are the postures that readers get into when they have a book in their hand.'

Prints of four of the works, each in a limited edition of 25, are on sale at the gallery alongside the originals.  Shapero has also produced a fully illustrated deluxe publication, limited to 100 numbered copies - including a small, signed giclee print from the show - which features an introduction by Quentin Blake.

The bookshop is also showcasing a range of first edition books by Quentin Blake.

See a clip on London Live of Shapero Rare Books' Director, Bernard Shapero, talking about the show: https://www.londonlive.co.uk/news/2019-12-04/sir-quentin-blake