In a scene reminiscent of the famous comic strip – Angus Og, is indeed away to Glasgow! But his family need not worry about any shenanigans, as the trip is for a special event to celebrate one of Scotland’s much loved comic strip characters and his creator.
Cartoon fans can join Angus Og and a host of speakers at the University of Glasgow for a full day symposium later this month. The event is showcasing the original cartoons of Angus Og and exploring the key themes they address including social history and political commentary, cultural identity, and language alongside a dive into the world of cartoon creation, visual narratives, and humour as a social barometer and cultural intervention.
Angus Og was created by Skye-inspired cartoonist Ewen Bain and his adventures were based in the fabled Isle of Drambeg in the Utter Hebrides and were published in the Daily Record from 1960 through to 1989. There were 158 Angus Og adventures and the collection of original strips has been donated to High Life Highland’s Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre by Ewen’s daughter Rhona Flin, with work underway to digitise and conserve the collection of cartoons after receiving funding from the Scottish Government.
The symposium takes place on Wednesday 29th May (10am-4.30pm) at the University of Glasgow Library, Hillhead Street, or for those who cannot attend in person, there is the option to join online.
Organised by the team at the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre, the event features papers from some of Scotland’s leading artists, academics, and cartoon enthusiasts including playwright Alan Bissett who will be joined by Laurence Grove, Professor of French and Text/Image Studies at the University of Glasgow and Paul Bristow, creative practitioner / director of Magic Torch Comics.
Katharine Macfarlane, Archives Project Officer (Angus Og) for High Life Highland said: “We are really excited to bring this free event to Glasgow, where I am sure many people will fondly remember the cartoon strip but it will also be of great interest to anyone who enjoys cartoons, comics and Scottish culture.
“Those attending in person will also have the opportunity to view original cartoons and archive materials from the Angus Og collection. In person places are limited so we would encourage anyone who wants to join us, to book their place soon.”
The symposium takes place at the University of Glasgow Library, Hillhead Street, Glasgow, G12 8Q on 29th May in person and online via Zoom. People can register for this free event online here or by contacting the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre on tel: 01478 614078 or email: [email protected]
