Catalog Archive
Auction 158, Lot 246

"London Transport [on verso] Central Area Interchange Stations",

Subject: London, England

Period: 1953 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
8.7 x 5.6 inches
22.1 x 14.2 cm
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This iconic schematic Tube map was designed by Harry Beck, an engineering draftsman who believed that passengers were less concerned with geographical accuracy than how to navigate the underground system and where to switch trains. Beck was the first to create the system map in full color, with each line represented by a different color. Although he initially presented his Tube map to Frank Pick, a British transport administrator, it wasn't approved and distributed until 1933. This post-war example includes Beck's imprint and was printed in the early part of the Coronation Year of Queen Elizabeth II. Beck continued to make updates to the map until 1960, when the Victoria Line was added and other changes were made without Beck's approval, at which point his name no longer appeared on the map.

References:

Condition: B+

Light toning and soiling.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Sold for: $150

Closed on 6/22/2016

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