London's Underground to Wembley Wall Map 1924

A Rare Illustrated Poster Map | Designed by Edward Bawden & Thomas Derrick
Size: 950 mm (W) × 700 mm (H)
Historic Artwork | Decorative Collectible | Made in Australia

An Iconic Tribute to London's Transport and Empire Ambition

Step into the golden era of British design and transport history with this magnificent pictorial map, “London’s Underground to Wembley”, originally commissioned in 1924 to promote travel to the British Empire Exhibition via London’s Underground system.

With Wembley Stadium illustrated at its heart, the map captures a vibrant vision of the British Empire’s global reach—surrounded by bustling crowds, cultural icons, and fantastical renderings of colonial life. This map is not only a work of navigational art but also a deeply symbolic piece of imperial history, designed to inspire awe, pride, and exploration.

🎨 Designed by Two Legendary British Artists

• Edward Bawden (1903–1989): Celebrated illustrator and designer, known for his work across posters, books, textiles, ceramics, and murals. He was a long-time collaborator with London Transport and a key figure in 20th-century British graphic art.

• Thomas Derrick (1885–1954): Renowned for his murals, illustrations, and stained-glass designs. He led the cartographic and layout aspects of the poster.

As recorded by the London Transport Museum, this historic piece was first conceived by Bawden on commission from Frank Pick, the famed visionary behind the Underground's design ethos. Though Bawden’s initial concept was refined by Derrick for legibility and cohesion, the final artwork remains a charming blend of whimsy, geography, and Empire pride—now highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts.

🗺️ Features & Highlights

• 🎡 Centrepiece Illustration of Wembley Stadium: A hive of spectacle, culture, and crowds celebrating the British Empire Exhibition.

• 🏙️ Detailed Vignettes: Illustrated scenes and figures representing nations, activities, and industries from across the Empire.

• 🚉 Underground Travel Promotion: An imaginative marketing piece encouraging Londoners to reach Wembley via the Tube.

• 🎨 Rich Historical Context: A time capsule of 1920s Britain—its aspirations, aesthetic, and imperial outlook.

📄 Format Options

Choose from three premium finishes, all faithfully reproduced from the David Rumsey Map Collection:

🪵 Optional Timber Hang Rails

Transform your map into a ready-to-display masterpiece:

• Attached wooden battens top and bottom

• Natural timber finish with a pre-fitted hanging cord

• No framing required—hang from a single wall hook

⏳ Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed versions, as each piece is custom-fitted by our professional framer.

📏 Specifications

🎯 Perfect For

• 🎨 Design Aficionados – A rare and striking example of early British commercial illustration

• 🏛️ History Buffs – A powerful visual encapsulation of the British Empire's zenith

• 🧭 Transport & Underground Enthusiasts – A must-have for lovers of Tube history

• 📚 Educators & Curators – Add depth to lessons or exhibitions on 20th-century British culture

• 🎁 Unique Gift Seekers – A distinguished and thoughtful gift for art collectors, historians, or Londoners abroad

📦 Shipping & Delivery

• Paper and laminated maps are shipped rolled in protective tubes

• Canvas and hang-railed versions are dispatched rolled in reinforced packaging

• Framed versions may require up to 10 working days for assembly

Bring home a rare artefact of transport, empire, and artistic genius. The London’s Underground to Wembley wall map is more than a nostalgic glance at 1920s Britain—it’s a celebration of creative vision and historical storytelling through cartographic art.

🛒 Order yours today and let London’s legacy live on your wall.