Maps with feeling not precision

I went to the Museum of London yesterday to have a look at the small display of hand drawn maps in the entrance area, if you are anywhere nearby this is well worth a short visit.

Brixton as a tree by Liam Roberts via www.londonist.com

Each of the maps gives a very personal view of a part of London, the author’s experiences and perhaps a comment on the way a much loved part of our city has changed. They reminded me that in contrast to all of our concerns for accuracy, authority and technology, maps offer a very human way of communicating about place. Not original, I know but still a useful reality check after days of waffling on about openness and authority and stuff like that.

You can find links to a selection of these hand drawn maps (loads more than at the London Museum) here. This was one of my favourites

Loos of London by Paula Simoes via www.londonist.com

Paula Simoes said about her map

“As a native Londoner, it is sometimes difficult to see the city in a new light. I’ve also lived in various areas throughout the years so I don’t particularly feel as though I belong to one single neighbourhood. As a result of this, I decided to focus on an often overlooked aspect of London instead, namely its practical and often quirky loos! Quite a large area is covered here and the river acts as a good reference point to all the selected loos. I wanted my map to be useful yet fun. And let’s face it, we all need loos – whether we find ourselves living in London or just passing through.”

I am thinking about what my personal view of North London might be, I guess it would include the Heath, our favourite walks and views across the city and of course the old and new Arsenal Stadiums. What about you?