A rare survivor and probably one of the most iconic maps in the world; this original London Underground tube map poster was designed by Paul E. Garbutt and probably dates to the 1970s. 

 

Paul E. Garbutt was an influential underground railway planner for London Transport from the 1950's to the 1970's. He developed the iconic London Underground tube maps and Diagrams of Lines, which had been originated by Harry Beck, during the 1960's.

 

This particular map shows the Piccadilly Line extension from Hounslow West to Heathrow Central as being 'under construction'. The extension to Heathrow, discussed since 1956, was approved in 1970, with the line to Heathrow Central opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 16 December 1977 so I would guess that this particular map dates to the early 1970s. 

 

The map has been pasted onto board, although this probably accounts for the map area of the map surviving well, the board is slightly smaller than the map itself and this has resulted in damage around the outer edges, the blue border runs around the whole piece so I don't think it's been trimmed down. Over the years it has yellowed, there are rust stained holes in the corners where it was tacked up and the pieces has creases throughout but I think that this all adds to the vintage charms of the piece without detracting from it's over-all impact. 

 

The map measures 1.2m wide x 94cm high and can be hung using two hanging loops attached to the rear. 

 

S/N: #1510