Angus Og had a very successful day at the University of Glasgow with a special symposium held on Wednesday 29th May 2024, 10:00 – 16:30 delivered in partnership with the University of Glasgow Stirling Maxwell Centre.
This exciting hybrid event showcased the original Angus Og cartoons and explored some of the key themes addressed by its creator Ewen Bain 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.
The event took place in person in University of Glasgow Archives & Special Collections, Hillhead Street, Glasgow, G12 8QQ and online via Zoom.
The day featured papers from some of Scotland’s leading playwrights, artists, academics and cartoon enthusiasts alongside opportunities to view original cartoons and archive materials. Perfect for all those who remember Angus Og fondly and those with an interest in cartoons, comics and Scottish culture this event opened new channels of communication and created new networks between those with a passion for Scottish cultural identity.
Our speakers brought a wealth of experience and different interests to the day but what united them all was a love of cartoons and humour!
A full collection of original Angus Og cartoons is held in Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre following the donation of an exciting archive of Ewen Bain’s drawings and other documents by his daughter Rhona Flin.
Angus Og was created by cartoonist Ewen Bain and his adventures were based on the fabled Isle of Drambeg in the Utter Hebrides. Angus Og began in the Bulletin and was 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 the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre by Ewen’s daughter Rhona Flin.
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.
Do you remember Angus Og? Tell us more at our Share Your Stories page or email us.
