My London: Quentin Blake

Illustrator Quentin Blake doesn't wear aftershave but he does like the smell of The French Institute in Kensington. He also loves going to London's theatres, walking around and visiting his favourite art shop on the King's Road. He tells Kate Church what else he loves about London.

Where do you live and why? South Kensington, where I've lived for about 30 years. Originally I chose the area because a good friend had a place there. Later, when I started teaching at the Royal College of Art, it proved extremely convenient for walking to work.

What was the last play you saw in London? Vincent in Brixton at the National. After this production I remembered why I enjoy plays so much. The idea of theatre is important to me, as there's very much a sense of theatricality within illustration, and vice versa. The director Peter Brook was very visual, as are groups such as Complicité.

What advice would you give to a tourist? Try to stay somewhere central - then you can walk practically everywhere. And don't only visit the obvious attractions. Explore other areas - for example, Islington or Highgate.

What have been your most memorable London meals? Probably a friend's birthday lunch at the Chelsea Arts Club. I used to feel ashamed at being taken there by my students, so eventually I became a member myself.

What is your earliest London memory? During the war - when I was 10 or 11 - I'd visit London to feed the birds in Trafalgar Square and buy books from Charing Cross Road.

What do you miss most when you're out of London? I get withdrawal symptoms from my studio. Luckily, I have one at home in France, too.

What are your favourite home comforts? Big chairs, sofas, and my books, especially Dickens. I'm also very interested in his journalism and letters.

What are your extravagances? I have three flats - I live in one, the second is my office that also stores my original illustrations and the third is my studio. I suppose the spaces are necessary now we're setting up the Gallery of Illustration.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day? I would make a huge investment in public transport. It's a problem for many schools who can't afford to travel into London for exhibitions.

What is your life philosophy? I suppose I subscribe to ill-founded optimism.

How do you get around town? I love walking between the Fulham and King's Roads, but for distances I use the Tube and taxis.

What were the last books you bought? I read lots of art books and was recently given Goya by Robert Hughes. I also buy quite a few books in French, most recently La Fête Impériale by Arnauld Pontier. I often have up to five books piled up next to my bed.

What aftershave do you wear? I don't wear anything. But I do rather like the smell of The French Institute in South Kensington. To me it somehow smells of France.

Do you have a favourite pub? I don't tend to go to pubs. I'm a member of The Groucho Club where there's always an interesting mix of people as well as a quiet corner for dinner.

What was the last CD you bought? Music by Scarlatti. I mostly listen to opera or chamber music. I used to like listening to Haydn or Brahms while I worked, but now I find it distracting.

Where was the last place you went on holiday? South West France. For the past 12 years I've owned a home just south of La Rochelle so I don't tend to visit many other places. I've always liked France and feel very at home there where I'm published as much as in England.

What was the last exhibition you saw? Illuminating the Renaissance at the Royal Academy. As far as I'm concerned it's a must-see. It's fascinating.

Who's in your secret address book? Green and Stone, a fantastic art shop on the King's Road. It has a wonderful range of artist's materials, along with other art-related objects and antiques. It's worth visiting to find presents.

Quentin Blake: Fifty Years of Illustration at Somerset House runs until 28 March. His work is also showing at Chris Beetle, 8-10 Ryder Street, SW1, from 31 January