Just like the ever expanding TfL map, interest in the history of London’s transport network is bigger than ever these days; you need only look at the popularity of TfL’s Depot Days to see that. Tube-heads will be similarly impressed by the latest exhibition at The Map House. Located right near the long closed Brompton Road station in Knightsbridge, this historic antique dealer has curated a wonderful selection of printed maps, adverts and drawings that detail the complex, evolving design we all know so well.
The window display greets you with a large gilded rendition of Harry Bec’s 1933 masterpiece of topographic design, which is not only the foundation of our current TfL map but the progenitor to all non geographic transport maps around the world. The full story behind Beck’s work is fascinating, and has been turned into a play currently on at the Transport Museum in Covent Garden.
You don’t have to be an anorak or cartographer to appreciate what’s on sale here
The exhibit has examples dating all the way back to the earliest 1863 Metropolitan Railway map, the very first underground railway on the planet, and the origin of the word metro. There are test prints with handwritten annotations by Beck’s predecessor Fredrick Stingemore, as well as the newest unofficial reimagining of the map, a circular concept that did the rounds on social media earlier this year.
My favorite piece on show is one of Beck’s pencil sketches from the 1960s; showing how the Victoria line could bisect through Euston and Kings Cross, it was rejected by the ungrateful transport board. It highlights not only his lifetime of graft and dedication to his creation, but also the familiar story of knowing better than your superiors.
You don’t have to be an anorak or cartographer to appreciate what’s on sale here. This could be a permanent exhibit, and any Londoner worth their salt should find it worthwhile. You will leave knowing your UERL from your LPTB, and with a desire to start a collection of your own.