Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre are delighted to host a brand new exhibition of Angus Og Cartoons. 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. The exhibition space has been designed to spark reflection and discussion about Island/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 along with information relating to the print process provided by the Daily Record and 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.
Catherine MacPhee, Skye and Lochalsh Archivist 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 Angus Og: Out of the Archives Exhibition will be open from October 2023 – May 2024, during normal opening hours at Skye and Lochalsh Archives, Elgin Hostel, Dunvegan Road, Portree, IV51 9EE. You can find out more at www.highlifehighland.com/archives-service or email us.
Archives Project Officer, Katharine Macfarlane, whose post is supported by the Scottish Government National Island Plan fund said “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! We’ve designed this exhibition to be fun and interactive with plenty to see and do whether you have 20 minutes free in Portree or are travelling further and spending a full day exploring, everyone is welcome.”
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.
