London's Underground to Wembley Wall Map 1924

Rare pictorial map / advertising poster for promoting subway transportation to the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley. The image illustrates Wembley's Football (soccer) Stadium in the center of the image surrounded by a multitude of people, places, disciplines, and activities representing the British Empire.

The artist collaborators for the image were: Edward Bawden (British, 1903–1989), a successful and prolific illustrator and graphic designer whose commissions included designs for posters, books, ceramic decorations, wallpaper, textiles, and murals and who also taught graphic design at the Royal College of Art, designed posters and ephemera for both the Underground Group and London Transport for over a quarter century. Thomas Derrick (British, 1885–1954), best known for his mural and illustration work, also painted portraits and designed stained glass. He produced posters for the Underground Group from 1924 to 1927. As noted by the entry for the map in the London Transit Museum:

This poster was commissioned by the Underground in 1924. The brief was an illustrated map of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley. Frank Pick approached Edward Bawden for the commission on the recommendation of Bawden's tutor at the Royal College of Art. Pick rejected Bawden's first proposal and brought in the more experienced designer, Thomas Derrick. Derrick handled the cartography and overall design, and Bawden was left to provide the illustrations. From a distance the poster was hard to read, but it was extremely popular with the public for its exquisite attention to detail. The map was printed in London by Eyre & Spottiswoode Ltd., H.M. Printers." (Ruderman)

The map can come either printed on heavyweight 160 gsm paper or laminated. The paper version is perfect for framing under glass, and the laminated version is exceptionally hard-wearing as we use a true encapsulation of two pieces of 80-micron gloss laminate.

Alternatively, we can supply this map on 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas using pigment-based inks - making the map highly durable and fade-resistant. The exceptional clarity of printing makes this map a stunning addition to any room, and its high quality means that it will provide years of enjoyment.

The easiest way to hang your canvas map is by having wooden hang rollers attached to the top and bottom with a hanging cord on the top roller, so all you have to do is put a hook on the wall. The hang rails come lacquered in a natural timber colour.

Note: Please allow ten working days to deliver hang-railed maps as they need to be attached by our framer.

Published: 1932

Size: 950 mm (w) x  700 mm (h) 

D.Rumsey Collection