Roald Dahl illustrator Quentin Blake's hospital art in As Large as Life at the Laing Art Gallery

Exhibition: Quentin Blake: As Large as Life, Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, until October 14 2012

Roald Dahl illustrator Quentin Blake's illustrations for hospitals refuse to shy from the reality of the corridors they brighten.

Mental health and eating disorders are among the themes commissioned by medical authorities here and abroad, including Mothers and Babies Underwater, in Agnes, France, and Welcome to Planet Zog, at the Alexandra Avenue Health and Social Care Centrein South Harrow.

“I think the very presence of pictures helps to make being in or visiting a hospital a more normal, less alien experience,” he says.

“What I have tried to include is a certain amount of detail, some interesting activities, and some suggestions of the little drama of relationships, so that the viewers – especially any who have to wait – may feel the desire to go on looking and perhaps even to speculate about the stories happening in front of them.”

Outside of their intended setting, they make for a chance to admire the work of one of our greatest graphic artists, appointed the inaugural Children’s Laureate in 1999.

“We are thrilled to host this exhibition,” says curator Julie Milne.

“The themes included are challenging and, typically, Blake has produced work that is sensitive but also fun and life affirming. We hope visitors to the exhibition will be captivated by these commissioned works.

“Blake’s work has also provided the inspiration for many of the activities that we are hosting over the summer, which we hope will keep visitors young and old busy and entertained.”

Drop-in classes, fun themed around Blake’s characters, juggling and even fire-eating feature.

• Open 10am-5pm (2pm-5pm Sunday). Admission free. Visit the gallery on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.