Imagine a map of London that's not just lines and streets, but a vibrant playground of stories, nursery rhymes, and whimsical illustrations. That's exactly what this charming vintage pictorial map offers—a treasure from the late 1930s designed specifically for children.
Created by artist Leslie George Bullock and published by John Bartholomew & Son in 1938, the Children's Map of London transforms the bustling capital into an enchanting world. Central London unfolds from Hyde Park in the west to the Tower of London in the east, and from Regent's Park in the north down to the Elephant & Castle area in the south. Major landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, and the Houses of Parliament are rendered in delightful pictorial style, with tiny drawings that bring the city to life.
What makes this map truly special is its playful integration of British folklore and literature. Scattered across the streets are quotes from poets like Rudyard Kipling and Alfred Noyes, evoking the spirit of the city. The borders are a riot of color and fun: lions and unicorns (nodding to the famous nursery rhyme The Lion and the Unicorn were fighting for the crown), scenes from classics like Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Little Miss Muffet, Old King Cole, and even Gog and Magog, the legendary giants of London. Coats of arms from England's regions, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland frame the edges, while mythical figures and historical vignettes add layers of wonder.
At the top, a grand procession with horses and carriages celebrates royal pageantry, and paw prints lead to the Zoo in Regent's Park—complete with a rhyme about the Lord and the Unicorn. Even everyday spots get a magical twist, like references to Oranges and Lemons (the bells of London's churches) in the corners.
This wasn't just a map for navigation; it was an educational tool to spark curiosity about London's history, geography, and culture. And it had a heartwarming purpose: all royalties from sales went to the Hospital for Sick Children at Great Ormond Street (now famously known as GOSH), a touching detail noted at the bottom of the map.
Though often dated to the 1950s in later reprints, this version captures pre-World War II London, with details like the old Euston Station (before its controversial redevelopment) and references to the London Passenger Transport Board. It's a snapshot of a bygone era, when pictorial maps—inspired by artists like MacDonald Gill and Kerry Lee—were popular for making cities accessible and fun.
Today, this map remains a beloved piece of cartographic history, perfect for evoking nostalgia or introducing young explorers to the magic of London. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best way to see a city is through the eyes of a child—full of wonder, stories, and endless adventure. If you have a copy on your wall, you're holding a little piece of timeless joy!
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