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A retrospective exhibition of work by illustrator Quentin Blake opens at Somerset House in London on Wednesday, featuring his creations from the past 50 years. The show includes his famous illustrations for books such as Arabel's Raven by Joan Aiken.

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Blake also publishes and illustrates his own books - including Zagazoo.

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Quentin Blake was named Children's Laureate in 1999 for two years, charged with promoting reading and writing for young people

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The exhibition also features early work of the artist, which included satirical drawings for Punch and the Spectator.

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Blake is perhaps most famous for his partnership with author Roald Dahl. One of the characters he brought to life from Dahl's imagination was the BFG - the Big Friendly Giant.

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The exhibition is designed to show how illustration touches everyday life, whether in newspapers, advertising or books.

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Fantastic Daisy Artichoke was one of Blake's memorable creations, written in the form of a poem.

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The illustrations, including Roald Dahl's The Twits, will eventually end up at the proposed Quentin Blake Gallery of Illustration once a home is found for it. The free exhibition at Somerset House runs until 28 March 2004.