Quentin at Downing College 'May Ball' 2015
Thursday 25th June 2015
'Written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake'
As an alumnus of Downing College, Cambridge (at which he read English in the 1950s) Quentin was delighted to be invited to the College's 'May Ball', held on 16 June. The popular annual event was a sell-out success, with tickets being snapped up well in advance: this year's theme was based around Roald Dahl's iconic children's books, with illustrations by Quentin Blake.
In the Downing May Ball programme, Ball President Miriam Goode wrote: 'Let us show you something wonderful as we bring to life the magical worlds illustrated by Sir Quentin Blake. Recline inside a Giant Peach, romp through Matilda's playground or lose yourself in the BFG's Dream Country. From the marvellously beautiful to the completely absurd, the Ball is packed to bursting with fantastic treats and delumptious delights.' Ball-goers enjoyed a night of music, dance and splendiferous Dahl-inspired foods (including 'Farmer Bean's Fiery Fox Cider', a BFG breakfast and a 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory chocolate fountain'), culminating in a 'Survivors' Photo' at 5.45am.
Quentin is a long-standing supporter of the College, not only agreeing to the use of his illustrations for the Ball, but also creating logos and motifs used on merchandise to raise money for College funds. 'QB' items include a mug, umbrella, silk tie and tea towel - all featuring the griffin from the Downing College shield, but with a distinctly 'Blake' feel. See the full range here: http://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/dow_server/association/merchandise/souvenirs.pdf