„Colouring maps for adults“ an der British Library

Adult colouring books. Leave it to the kids? Whether you’re addicted to them, or bamboozled by their appeal, they’re probably here to stay. Adult colouring atlases (currently for sale in the British Library shop) are particularly interesting, and not so peculiar as you might think because before printed colour came in during the late 19^th century, by hand is exactly how maps were coloured.

It wasn’t so usual to use colouring pencils in, say, the 18^th century. Instead it was usually a water-based paint such as watercolour or the thicker gouache which could provide a brighter and smoother finish. …