Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
poster, which would place the British Isles at the centre of the map, within a half moon to
suggest the globe. They commissioned the cartographic firm George Philip and Son to draw
the outline.
The man they asked to design the map on this new base was artist MacDonald Gill, already
well known for his classic 'Wonderground' map for the London Underground, which was
striking for a combination of geographical basis with quirky details based on legends, famous
sights and quotations.
The result was unveiled in a blaze of publicity on New Year's Day 1927, when police had
to control crowds around the hoarding on which the poster was displayed in Charing Cross
Road. The map shows the world, British colonies and dominions suitably coloured bright
red, with major shipping routes and banners expressing patriotic sentiments. MacDonald Gill
framed the map by personified winds which seemingly blow ships along the highways of
the British empire, upon which sun and moon figures suggest that the sun never set. These
elements reminiscent of old classical world maps connote a continuity of power, while eye-
catching colours and modern elements such as steamships and a bi-plane on the map itself
emphasise contemporary commerce.
Gill was paid £150 for this design - a very considerable sum at that date. Around 3,000
copies of the 48-sheet version of the map were printed. It was also produced in two smaller
versions for sale to the general public, and a miniature version was distributed at the School-
boy's Own Exhibition in 1929.
