High Life Highland is delighted to be hosting a brand-new exhibition of Angus Og cartoons from the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre.
The ‘Angus Og: Out of the Archives’ exhibition features specially selected cartoons alongside information about the life and work of the cartoon’s creator, Ewen Bain.
There were 158 Angus Og adventures, and the collection of original strips has been donated to the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre by Ewen’s daughter Rhona Flin.
Catherine MacPhee, High Life Highland’s Archivist at Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre, said: “The Angus Og cartoons are important not just for Skye, but as part of Scotland’s social history.
“As well as being nationally well known and loved, the cartoons relate to social-political issues still relevant today, including the loss of language, impacts of tourism and social imbalances. We look forward to sharing some of these fun stories with visitors to the Archive Centre.
“The exhibition space has been designed to spark reflection and discussion about Island and Highland life and futures, whilst embodying the fun and creative approach taken by Ewen Bain in the development of the fictional island of ‘Drambeg’.
“It is suitable for all ages and includes plenty of opportunities for people to get creative in the maker-spaces, or with the dressing up box, to share their own experiences and to laugh along with the adventures of Angus Og.
“The exhibition also brings together material kindly loaned by An Lanntair, the Staffin Community Development Trust, Glasgow School of Art, and the Scottish Political Archive at the University of Stirling.
“Alongside these materials is information relating to the print process provided by the Daily Record, and personal recollections from those who worked with Ewen Bain, making this the most comprehensive exhibition of Ewen Bain’s life and work ever hosted in Scotland.”
Katharine Macfarlane, High Life Highland’s Archives Project Officer, whose post is supported by the Scottish Government National Island Plan fund, added: “We are so excited about sharing this collection with the wider public!
“Whether you remember the Angus Og cartoons from the newspaper, or are discovering the collection for the first time, we are sure that you’ll have a fun time exploring the cartoons and creative opportunities.
“This exhibition has been designed to be fun and interactive, with plenty to see and do. Whether you have 20 minutes to spare or are spending a full day in Portree, the exhibition is worth exploring – and everyone is welcome.”
The ‘Angus Og: Out of the Archives’ tour is ongoing until May 2024, during Skye and Lochalsh Archives’ usual opening hours.
You can find out more at www.highlifehighland.com/archives-service or by emailing [email protected]
High Life Highland’s Highland Archive Service are currently working to digitise and conserve the collection of Angus Og cartoons after receiving funding from the Scottish Government.
The funding is part of the National Island Plan which was awarded to all Scottish local authority areas with island populations and seeks to support the development of cultural and historic resources; encouraging Island residents to engage with, and participate in, arts and culture.
The funding will be used to support, develop, and promote the creative talents of Islanders, and ensure that the culture of Scotland’s islands has a wide audience both nationally and abroad.
