Early Maps of London's Underground Railways

get paid much. Furthermore, I get the impression that he was a little naive commercially and perhaps this contributed towards the situation.

AM - Which is your favourite design and why?

DL There are numerous maps in which I hold particular affection for whatever reason but two stand out for me.

The pride of my collection is a pristine copy of a second edition District Railway Map of London from 1876. However, my favourite design is the 1928 map by EG Perman - there's something about the subtle use of colour and the ornate calligraphy which I find particularly beautiful.

AM - Someone has designed a geographical map based on today's lines which looks far more like the Edwardian maps in your book. Do you think a move to produce a more standard geographical map would prove popular today?

DL The development of the diagram did not stop geographical depictions of the Underground system being produced. Indeed, there were significant series of fold-out maps produced in the late 1930s and throughout the 1960s in this style. I believe that there is probably a case to be made for the production of a geographic map covering central London which complements (rather than replaces) the pocket diagram.

AM - The early maps had little advertising slogans on them - "What to See and How to See it" & "Stations Everywhere" which nicely promoted the use of the underground itself. Today's maps just seem to be vehicles for Yellow Pages, Scoot and other advertisers. How important do you think the tube map is in actually publicising the use of the London Underground today?

DL Much has been made over the years of the tube 'map' about its significance as a cultural icon and indeed a representation of London itself. To be honest, I believe that the vast majority of people simply regard it as a means of information provision for guidance as to how to travel around what is a complex network.

My personal view is that the space around/on the back of the map should be used for material that promotes or assists use of the Underground, rather than the commercial sponsorship that exists today. This is particularly true of the poster version where the size of the map has had to be reduced to accommodate the sponsor's message.

Thanks for a great interview and anyone who wishes to see the book for themselves or read other

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