Ahead of Christmas, the Friends of the East London Museum have launched an informative colouring book for children which features some of the museum’s many exhibits.
Developed over several months in collaboration with local artists and retired museum staff members, the colouring book is intended to encourage deeper engagement with the archives, artefacts and collections.
The unique colouring book is designed to be used by children while on visits to the museum. As a supportive tool, its contents include subject matter in the school curriculum. Friends of the East London Museum chairperson Charmaine De’Ath, said: “The material was chosen to encourage visitors to explore all the galleries, to notice details rather than just scan an exhibit.
“Also to highlight endangered species like the pangolin, geometric tortoise, Cape vulture and African penguin.
“We wanted the pictures to be exact line-drawing copies of artefacts that are found in the museum.
“By first visiting the museum and finding the artefact, which develops logical thinking and problem-solving as well as observation skills, and then looking carefully at the subject, the artist can colour the picture in the exact colours.
“Such attention to detail develops the skill of noticing the finer details, which is important in learning and remembering.”
The artwork was contributed by Graham Timms and the research and text was provided by the museum staff and society members.
Pinecreek Farmstall and Restaurant is the main sponsor for the back page.
De’Ath said a great deal of work went into creating material that accurately replicated the artefacts in the exhibits.
“The drawings were done as realistically as possible, for example with the Xhosa beadwork, hours were spent editing the drawings to be 100% correct,” she said.
The colouring book is available for purchase at the museum’s front desk for R45 a copy, with a box of crayons included.
The proceeds from the book will go towards furthering the work of the East London Museum.
“It is an inexpensive gift that brings with it knowledge and enjoyment and is a great stocking-filler for Christmas, or a children’s party gift,” said De’Ath
