Exhibition Page


After I completed my book Underground Maps After Beck I began to focus more and more on designing actual maps myself. Determined to learn as much as possible about design and usability of maps, and how the choice of rules affects the design, I embarked upon a long and continuing journey. My designs can be placed into five rough categories.
Examples of all of these maps can be seen at my exhibitions ...

Underground Maps Unravelled

Explorations in Information Design

Since revolutionising map design in 1933, Henry Beck's iconic London Underground map has set the standard for the mapping of transport networks worldwide, replacing chaotic, twisting routes with straight lines, horizontal, vertical or diagonals at 45 degrees only. This exhibition explores the success of the Beck map and the rules that it adopted, and asks whether today's networks demand fresh approaches.
Roberts presents a collection of his own work: maps that break all the rules; maps that are easier to use; maps that teach us about good design; maps that challenge our preconceptions; and maps that are purely decorative. Whether you are a graphic designer, transport professional, or just a frustrated commuter or tourist, maps will never seem the same again.


... a really extraordinary exhibition ...
... inspired and mesmerising on several levels ...
... as works of art, they're ingenious ...
... I loved it ...

Martin Newell, East Anglian Daily Times, 11/09/10



Photographs by Peter Rodgers (left) and Peter Eades (right)





Photograph by Paul Monckton





Photographs by Roger Deeble





If you might be interested in hosting an exhibition, possibly along with guest lectures, email me at exhibitions@tubemapcentral.com
At exhibitions, posters, guides and catalogues are sold. Please enquire if you might be interested in purchasing any remaining items.

Last updated 07/01/11. All content on these web pages are © Maxwell J. Roberts, 2005-10. No reproduction without permission.
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