Free Dickens workshops at Central Library

28 June 2016

Aberdeen City Libraries will host a series of free workshops for teens and young adults celebrating the work of Charles Dickens from 6 to 9 July.

Aberdeen City Council’s Convener of Education and Children’s Services Councillor Angela Taylor said: “These workshops are a unique and fun way for young people to learn more about the work of Charles Dickens. I would encourage people to attend the workshops and rediscover how fantastic our library services are and the great services they offer.”

Wednesday 6 July, 2pm - 3.30pm

Drawing Dickens 

Edinburgh-based artist and illustrator Kate Leiper will deliver a workshop on drawing and illustration based on Charles Dickens’ work. Focusing on character development, Kate will provide participants with tips and techniques on illustration and answer questions about her work.

Friday 8 July, 2pm - 3.30pm

Sketching a Story 

Local writer Shane Strachan will host a creative writing workshop for young people. Taking inspiration from Dickens’ early stories in Sketches by Boz, participants will sketch out and edit their own short stories.

Saturday 9 July, 2pm - 4pm

Creating Comics

Comic book artist Edward Ross will host a workshop which will provide teens and young adults with the opportunity to create their own Dickensian characters and comics.

Edward Ross said: "Dickens was a master storyteller famous for enthralling all of Victorian Britain with his tales, and I think that Aberdeen’s Celebrating Dickens festival is a wonderful opportunity to bring these stories to a new audience. Comics and manga are a great way to celebrate Dickens’ work in a fresh light, offering young people the chance to transform Dickens’ themes and ideas into something new. I’m looking forward to seeing what the young people come up with!”

Workshop participants will also have the opportunity to exhibit their work in Aberdeen Central Library or at the Dickens Fellowship international conference which will take place at the University of Aberdeen from 20 - 25 July.

Workshops are free to attend but booking is required. Contact Aberdeen City Libraries on 01224 652500 or e-mail LibraryEvents@aberdeencity.gov.uk to reserve a place.