Maps from a hand-drawn Atlas of Scotland to go on display at St Giles’ Cathedral
Illustrated maps from Andrew Redmond Barr’s hand-drawn Atlas of Scotland will go on display in Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral from 4th – 14th of August.
The display will give church visitors the chance to explore a unique cartographic vision of Scotland, and to discover more about Scotland’s fascinating history right in the historic heart of the capital.
About the Atlas of Scotland
The Atlas of Scotland uses hand-drawn maps and illustrations to tell Scotland’s story. It explores in detail how Scotland was made, its history and culture, as well as the individual local histories of 9 Scottish regions, 7 cities and 12 historic towns.
The Atlas then goes far beyond Scotland’s shores, looking at many of the fascinating ways Scotland has connected with the outside world throughout history, from ancient geological links to North America, to the European trade routes of medieval Scottish merchants, and so much more.
The Atlas of Scotland project took just over a year to complete between 2020 and 2021, and includes a total of 37 hand-drawn maps. Copies of the Atlas will be available just beside the display, where visitors will also be very welcome to speak to Andrew about his work.
Praise for the Atlas of Scotland
‘A stunningly beautiful hand-drawn Atlas full of surprises, putting Scotland on display like never before. Andrew has produced an extraordinary vision of the country with great care, creativity and imagination.’ – Nicola Sturgeon
‘Scotland needs things of beauty, craft and uniqueness – retelling and remaking our sense of ourselves, who we are and what we have done, so that we can better understand our myriad stories, histories and identities. The Atlas of Scotland does this splendidly and with great skill and audacity, taking us on a magical tour the length and breadth of the nation – geographically, historically and in our imagination.’ – Gerry Hassan
‘Andrew’s beautiful new Atlas is almost a redefinition of cartography. It reminds the reader not only about what lies around him or her in this wonderful country, but goes much further by inspirationally re-telling so many great stories of place and people.’ – Michael Russell
‘A delightful book from beginning to end … Andrew combines a sensitive artistic talent with a deep love and knowledge of Scotland which helps us see our country from a unique perspective.’ – Billy Kay
‘This Atlas is earthed in the terrain of Scotland’s land and sea, but also brings into light surprising episodes, characters, strange moments in history and un-expected angles of geography. It is a tapestry that draws a wealth of information up from deep time and extends its vision over a whole, complex, open theatre.’ – Alan Riach