The Stanley Building 'Wrap' created by Quentin Blake - © Michael Walter/Troika
© Michael Walter/Troika
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5 May 2008 - Back

Big friendly artwork for London's new gateway to EuropeBig friendly artwork for London's new gateway to Europe

Huge Quentin Blake illustrations to wrap building next to the refurbished St Pancras International Station.

Art installation to be in place on the Grade II listed Stanley Building to welcome visitors using new Eurostar services.

Quentin’s work marks the beginning of a cultural renaissance around King’s Cross.

The building will be refurbished as part of the wider regeneration scheme and in time, developed as a walk-in health centre, retail and offices.

Quentin Blake has been commissioned to produce a unique piece of artwork as a wrap and hoarding design for one of the 20 historic buildings on the 67 acre King’s Cross development site in London.

The artwork, depicting a welcoming party, will cover the first building that visitors will see as they step out of the new arrivals entrance to St Pancras International station, straight from their Eurostar journey.

The Grade II listed building which is being wrapped, known as Stanley Building South, will be brought back to life as part of the £2bn, 15-year regeneration scheme. But before refurbishment work can begin on the building, it is to be clad in the 17m high ‘wrap’ and 2.4m high hoardings, all designed by Quentin Blake.

The piece was commissioned by developer Argent and landowners London & Continental Railways and DHL-Exel and is the first of many public art initiatives intended for the scheme.

By 2020, King’s Cross will be home to museums, galleries and an array of new public spaces, providing many opportunities for future public art projects.

Robert Evans, Director of Argent said:

“After nearly eight years of consultation and planning, the regeneration of King’s Cross is really starting to come to life. Next year, we plan to start construction work on new premises for the University of Arts, London and we are working with Quentin Blake and others to develop a Museum of Illustration. This is becoming one of the most exciting creative hubs in London and, with services commencing at St Pancras International on 14 November, this is the perfect location for this fantastic piece of public art.”


Quentin Blake said:

“It's a wonderful opportunity to be able to work on this exciting project, and see my drawings reproduced on such a huge scale. What we hope for is that it will give travellers a cheerful welcome to London as they arrive at St Pancras International. I'm also pleased to be involved in this project because I hope that it will help to promote our plans to create a Museum of Illustration within the great King's Cross redevelopment. Maybe this Big Illustration will also remind people of the power and impact illustration can have in our everyday lives”.

The artwork will remain in place whilst other phases of the development take place around it. The building will then be refurbished to become a walk-in health centre, retail units and office accommodation.