Colouring books are a beloved staple in households across the globe, offering not only a creative outlet for children but also a therapeutic pastime for adults. The evolution of colouring books reflects changes in educational theories, cultural trends, and technology. Here's a look at how colouring books have transformed from their early origins to the present day.
Early Beginnings
The concept of colouring predates the actual creation of colouring books. Artists in the 18th and early 19th centuries often produced outlines of famous artworks for students to paint, which helped them understand art styles and techniques without the expense of an art tutor. These were not intended for children but were rather educational tools for art students.
Inside the first colouring book by Kate Greenaway
The first true colouring books appeared in the mid-19th century alongside the rise of a broader range of children's books made possible by advancements in printing technology. One of the earliest examples was "The Little Folks' Painting Book," published around 1879, illustrated by Kate Greenaway, an English children's book illustrator. Kate published several books that could be considered early versions of colouring books. Her charming style and depiction of children in contemporary Victorian apparel were not only immensely popular in England but also resonated on an international level.
Colouring Books as Educational Tools
As the 20th century progressed, colouring books were increasingly seen as educational. They were used to teach children about a variety of subjects, from history and geography to science and wildlife. This educational aspect was bolstered by psychologists and educators who recognised that colouring could develop a child's fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
1993 - My First Hidden Picture Coloring Book
The Golden Age of Colouring Books
The mid-20th century could be considered the golden age of colouring books. During this time, major publishers produced a wide variety of colouring books, including those tied to popular children's television shows, movies, and characters. This was also the era when companies like Crayola became household names, further promoting colouring as a favourite pastime for children.
1971 - Fat cat's craft and coloring book
Adult Colouring Books: A Modern Resurgence
While adults have always engaged in colouring to some degree, there was a significant resurgence in adult colouring books in the 2010s. This trend was partly fuelled by the increasing recognition of colouring as a form of relaxation and a way to reduce stress. Titles like "Secret Garden" by Johanna Basford, which was published in 2013, became international bestsellers. These books are often characterized by intricate patterns and designs, such as mandalas and lush gardens.
From their humble beginnings to their current status as a global phenomenon, colouring books have had a colourful history indeed. They have evolved from children's entertainment to a valid form of stress relief and creative expression for adults. As we continue to recognise the benefits of colouring, it is likely that colouring books will continue to be a part of our lives, whether in digital form or on paper.
With thanks to the Internet Archive for images in this blog. You can see the full copies of the books mentioned at the below links:
- The Little Folks' Painting Book https://archive.org/details/littlefolkspaint00weatiala/page/44/mode/2up
- Fat cat's craft and coloring book - https://archive.org/details/fatcatscraftcolo00kare/mode/2up
- My first hidden picture coloring book - https://archive.org/details/myfirsthiddenpic0000adam/mode/2up
- Color Designs - https://archive.org/details/colordesigns10000kozi/mode/2up
