6 March – 11 April 2001
Quentin Blake, the first Children's Laureate, collaborated with the Gallery to present a celebration of contemporary children's illustration. The exhibition explored the process of illustrating children's books through such classics as 'Ginger' by Charlotte Voake, 'Where's Wally' by Martin Handford and 'The Emporer's New Clothes' by Angela Barrett. In all, thirteen brilliant children's illustrators were invited to participate. Their work represented a broad cross section of ages and interests. Picture books, poetry, prose and projects were all included. Each artist chose to show the development of two books, from initial roughs, to stunning finished artwork. It was an invitation to adults and children alike, to share the passion and delight of illustrated books for children.

The illustrators were Angela Barrett, Alison Bartlett, Quentin Blake, Stephen Beisty, Patrick Benson, Emma Chichester Clarke, Sara Fanelli, Martin Handford, Satoshi Kitamura, Neal Layton, Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom, Chris Riddell and Charlotte Voake.