The Illustration Cupboard

The Illustration Cupboard is a unique central London art gallery representing the most distinguised contemporary book illustrators from around the world. Established in 1995 it has presented a continuous schedule of events including single artists exhibitions, themed events and the much-loved annual winter exhibition. Other projects have included working with municipal hospitals, public art galleries and museums as well as national festivals such as the Edinburgh International Book Festival. There have also been international events such as the recent year-long travelling exhibition which toured Australia and Tasmania.

Founder John Huddy first studied art history at school and went on to gain an MA (Hons) inHistory of Art at St Andrew’s University. John subsequently worked at auctioneers Christies in St James’s, London, where he extended an interest in old master drawings and paintings. However it was his close family connection with publishing that sparked his appreciation of the outstanding range and quality of the books he had grown up with; as a child he had met many leading authors and artists which ultimately led on to the current enterprise.

'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 of Marjacq has bought extensive experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to this vibrant, friendly and inspiring enterprise .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