IT'S ALL the rage as adults and children rediscover the joys of colouring in books. And now Stroud has its very own colouring book thanks to local illustrator and writer Tracy Spiers who has produced a special 40-page book to celebrate the town’s local history.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Museum’s move to the beautiful surroundings of Stratford Park and to help mark the occasion Tracy has focussed on 15 different objects represented in the Museum in the Park’s collection.
“I wanted to help both adults and children engage with the wonderful stories waiting to be told at the museum which provides a fascinating insight into our social, geographical and historic roots,” says Tracy, a mother of five, who has a first class BA (Hons) degree in illustration.
“I didn’t want it just to be a colouring book however, I wanted to give children chance to add their own drawings and really think about what they are looking at.”
Colouring in Stroud’s History is full of intricate ink drawings of medieval tiles, patterns, clock mechanisms, cloth cutting machinery, milk bottles, fire plates and rocking baths.
And to launch the book, a special free tea, cake and colouring-in event is taking place at the Museum on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd from 3-5pm, with a chance to meet the illustrator. “This colouring book is such a timely and topical way of marking our 15th anniversary. It works on all levels and it is ideal for all ages. The detail in Tracy’s illustrations are stunning and it has helped me see things on show in our collection with a fresh eye. I can’t wait to start colouring in myself,” admits Ann Taylor, the Museum’s Learning Programme’s Officer.
Tracy’s family has a special connection to the museum. Her grandfather George Ham lived in the mansion house between 1947-57 with her grandmother Kitty and her mum Jan (Baker).
George was appointed sports groundsman at Stratford Park was later made park superintendent before he retired in 1981.
Tracy’s sister, local actor Kim Baker also regularly appears at the museum acting out various roles to help bring the characters and stories to life.
* Colouring in Stroud’s History launch takes place with tea, cake and col-ouring in at the Museum in the Park on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2, 3-5pm
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article