A mass colouring in event led by bestselling illustrator, author and pioneer of the adult colouring book trend, Johanna Basford, will take place at the University of Aberdeen.
Members of the public can join in with the creation of a giant piece of artwork inspired by a page in one of the oldest atlases in the University’s Collections – the Ortelius atlas - which has just gone on display in the Sir Duncan Rice Library Gallery.
The atlas, printed in 1592, is a mix of accurate map-making and fantasy. It has been turned into a giant colouring-in project – a ‘monster map’ - which Johanna Basford will lead as part of an event to celebrate Book Week Scotland.
Johanna, who has sold over 25 million copies of her colouring books, is credited with reinvigorating adult colouring as her fanciful, hand-drawn illustrations launched a worldwide craze
The Ellon-based artist will share her passion for what was for a long time viewed as a childhood pastime but is now embraced by millions of adults who report therapeutic as well as creative benefits from colouring.
Johanna said: “I am inspired in my work by the beautiful scenes all around me but like the makers of the Ortelius Atlas, I combine this with fantasy.
“My books have detailed many weird and wonderful species and, in my work, I’ll often take a leaf from one plant, a petal from another and possibly a seedpod from a third and combine them to create a fanciful botanical hybrid.
“It is wonderful to see an example of this being done 400 years ago and for that to be so beautifully preserved today. I am looking forward to working with the public to create a new interpretation of the Atlas and a new celebration of the joy of colouring.”
Johanna’s visit has been made possible through funding from the Scottish Book Trust and will also officially launch the opening of the ‘Imagined Norths’ exhibition.
Jennifer Shaw, Learning and Outreach Officer for Special Collections at the University of Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to welcome Johanna Basford to the Sir Duncan Rice Library for this exciting event. It promises to be a fun afternoon and we hope as many people as possible will come along and help get the giant map coloured in by the end of the day!”
The event will run in the Sir Duncan Rice Library from 12-4pm on Sunday November 24. Visitors can drop in, pick up a pot of pens and help to complete the Monster Map by the end of the day.
Johanna will act as colouring coach, chatting to visitors throughout the event.
Attendees can stay for a short time or stay all day, taking in the exhibition and Library coffee shop.
For younger children there will also be sea-monster paper making inspired by the imaginary beasts that are pictured swimming around the Ortelius atlas.
All materials will be provided and parking at the Library is free and open to all on Sunday. A selection of Johanna’s books will also be available for sale and signing.
For more information visit https://www.abdn.ac.uk/events/21053/