This map, originally published by Macdonald (Max) Gill in 1933 is perhaps my favourite map of all time. It has it all: amazing design, beautiful details, and a big dollop of propaganda.
The map was commissioned by the Empire Marketing Board, which might sound a bit silly, but it was a real thing. Its role was to encourage trade between Britain and its colonies.
The Empire is coloured in red. Shipping routes and their distances are drawn on the map. And, as always with Max Gill maps, there are plenty of fun little details that you'll only see as you pore closely over it.
Of course, the map is dominated by the phrase at the bottom: BUY EMPIRE GOODS FROM HOME AND OVERSEAS. At the top of the map is its name: Highways of Empire.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x18 inches (31x46cm), 18x24 inches (45.5x61cm) and 24x36 inches (61x91.5cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 115 (292cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 36x24 inch (91.5x61cm) version of this map.
If you’re looking for more options, I have another interesting world map by Max Gill in 1945, focusing on the British Empire's radio and submarine cable networks.
As you can see, the British Empire is highlighted in red. These countries include, Great Britain, India, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Northern and Southern Rhodesia and South Africa.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone who has a keen interest in the British Empire or someone looking for a slightly different type of World Map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.