Society of Dyers and Colourists launches children’s colouring challenge

The Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC) is delighted to announce the launch of its children’s colouring competition in collaboration with Leeds-based Yorkshire Children's Charity and author Malcolm Campbell, who is also known as Malcolm the Weaver.

‘The Children’s Cool Colouring Challenge’ has been launched in 100 primary schools across West Yorkshire, with every participating school set to receive a trilogy of Malcolm the Weaver books for their library. Entries will close on 24 November 2023 and The Yorkshire Children’s Charity will judge the entries and award a first prize of £200 to the winning school.

The trilogy of books — written by Malcolm Campbell — aims to teach primary-aged children about colour, craft, textiles, sustainability and nature, as well as local geography and history, in the latest competition for West Yorkshire schools.

Commenting on the initiative, Malcolm Campbell said: “It’s essential that we continue to encourage creative skills in educational settings across the region – they are no less important than traditional skills children develop from subjects like English and Maths. This newly launched competition will help us to do that.

“All children and adults should be given the opportunity to be creative — whether that be through dancing, drawing or painting — and to get out, play and see what nature has to offer.”

Dr Graham Clayton, CEO of the Society of Dyers and Colourists, concluded: “The SDC is proud to be working with primary schools across the region to educate pupils in the importance of colour. The Malcolm the Weaver books offer a wealth of opportunities to engage children in the learning of textile traditions and geographical history.

“For this competition in particular, the colouring pages feature three local landmarks across West Yorkshire, including Leeds Town Hall, Castle Hill in Huddersfield and Shibden Hall in Halifax. We hope this will help teachers in educating their pupils about the history, relevance and importance of each of these locations.”

Malcolm Campbell continues to work with schools and other education settings across the region to teach adults and children about colour, crafts, and the basics of weaving to offer them an outlet to be creative and to help further curriculum opportunities.