AN artist’s hand-drawn Atlas of Scotland puts Scotland “on display like never before”, according to Nicola Sturgeon.
With another independence referendum expected by the end of 2023, Andrew Redmond Barr’s new Atlas of Scotland reflects a nation in deep thought about its future.
Created by Barr – who is known for creating The Illustrated Declaration of Arbroath – during the pandemic, the book has been praised by the First Minister as “an extraordinary vision of the country”.
Produced as an A4 hardback book, combining text with illustrated maps, the Atlas of Scotland sheds new light on Scotland’s cultural and political history, its long-standing as one of the ancient kingdoms of Europe, as well as the richness of its international connections.
In addition to mapping the land as a whole, the Atlas also explores in detail the individual local histories of each of Scotland’s seven cities, plus 12 of its historic towns. It also goes beyond Scotland, looking at how the country has connected with the outside world throughout history – from the old European trade routes of Scottish merchants to the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition.
Illustrations for the Atlas of Scotland include: 37 maps, 80 mountains, seven cities, 12 historic towns, five international journeys.
The Atlas was made possible due to a crowd-funder in late 2020, drawing an incredible amount of support from all around the globe.
Commenting on the project, Barr (below) said: “Today modern technology may have replaced traditional paper atlases, but I believe there is still something valuable about being able to see a whole vision of a country, laid out and illuminated on paper.
“By returning to map-making in pen and ink, and by retelling the story of Scotland’s history and culture, this new Atlas of Scotland aims to be a reflection of where Scotland stands today, as well as revealing one of the world’s oldest nations in a whole new light.”
Sturgeon described the book as “a stunningly beautiful hand-drawn Atlas full of surprises, putting Scotland on display like never before”.
She added: “Andrew has produced an extraordinary vision of the country with great care, creativity and imagination.”
Barr’s work has also received praise from other notable people.
Gerry Hassan said: “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.”
Michael Russell said: “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.”
Scottish poet and academic Alan Riach said: “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 unexpected 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.”
And Billy Kay said: “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.”
The book is now available to order at andrewrbarr.com/atlas-of-scotland for £25.
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