Embark on a fascinating journey through time as we uncover the vibrant history of colouring books. In this blog post, we’ll trace the evolution of colouring, from its humble beginnings to the diverse and creative world of colouring books we know today.
1. Early Manuscripts and Illuminated Letters:
- Explore the origins of colouring in early illuminated manuscripts, where monks added colour to intricate illustrations by hand, often using pigments derived from natural sources.
2. Educational Tools in the 17th Century:
- Uncover how colouring became a tool for education in the 17th century, with educators using coloured illustrations to make learning more engaging and accessible for students.
3. Rise of the Colouring Book Industry in the 19th Century:
- Dive into the 19th century, when the first commercially available colouring books emerged. Discover how publishers capitalized on the popularity of colouring for both entertainment and education.
4. Artistic Movement and the Golden Age of Colouring Books:
- Explore the artistic movement of the early 20th century, which saw the rise of beautifully illustrated colouring books. Learn about the Golden Age when artists embraced colouring as a legitimate art form.
5. Colouring During Wartime:
- Investigate the role of colouring books during wartime, when they became therapeutic tools for soldiers and stress relief for civilians. Discover the impact of colouring on mental well-being.
6. The Advent of Crayons:
- Trace the introduction of crayons as a popular colouring tool. Understand how the development of affordable, non-toxic crayons made colouring accessible to people of all ages.
7. Colouring in Popular Culture:
- Examine how colouring became a part of popular culture, with colouring books featuring characters from beloved cartoons, movies, and TV shows. Explore the tie between colouring and entertainment.
8. Adult Colouring Renaissance:
- Witness the resurgence of colouring as a mindful and stress-relieving activity for adults in recent years. Delve into the adult colouring book phenomenon and its therapeutic benefits.
9. Digital Colouring and the Technological Revolution:
- Explore how technology transformed colouring with the advent of digital colouring apps and tools. Understand the impact of the digital age on the way people approach colouring.
10. DIY and Customization in Modern Colouring:
- Learn how modern coloring enthusiasts have embraced DIY and customization. Discover how artists and hobbyists create their own coloring pages and share them within the community.
11. Colouring as a Form of Self-Expression:
- Examine the shift in perception, where colouring is seen as a form of self-expression and a means of personal storytelling. Witness how people use colouring as a medium for artistic exploration.
Conclusion: The history of colouring is a vibrant tapestry woven through time, reflecting cultural, educational, and technological shifts. As we continue to explore the world of colouring, let’s appreciate the journey from its early roots to the diverse and dynamic landscape of colouring books today.
Related Post – Free 3 Dinosaur Colouring Pages

Do you love colouring? Check out our new colouring book – ‘45 Butterflies Colouring Book‘ which contains cute and intricate sketches of butterflies; children will definitely love them.

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