As someone who enjoys admiring antique map almost as much as I enjoy selling them, I’m thrilled to announce that I will be exhibiting at this year’s London Map Fair, held at the prestigious Royal Geographical Society on June 10-11, 2023. I invite you to embark on this journey with me, exploring the rich tapestry of Britain’s history and beyond through the mesmerising art of cartography.

2023 marks my first time exhibiting at the London Map Fair, though I have attended as a visitor on previous occasions. My display at the fair includes an array of antique maps that paint a vivid picture of British history. From bustling city life to tranquil rural scenes, these carefully curated relics will transport you back in time. The maps also offer intriguing glimpses into the cultures and histories of other countries, which have broadened our understanding of the world through the ages.

Alongside the maps, I am delighted to announce I will (with the fair managers’ full approval) be presenting a unique collection of prints, posters and antiquarian books of topographical interest. Something that straddles various aspects of this, and is a definite highlight of what I will be bringing this year, is a complete set of maps from Charles Booth’s ground-breaking work, Labour and Life of the People (1889-1893). These sociologically significant maps offer an in-depth look at the living conditions in London during the Victorian era. From the affluent West End squares to the impoverished East End lanes, the stark contrasts of wealth and deprivation in Victorian London are laid bare. Experiencing Booth’s maps first-hand is like stepping into a time capsule. They provide not only a snapshot of the social geography of that time, but also a poignant reminder of the progress we’ve made and the disparities that still exist.

The London Map Fair isn’t just an event for cartographers or map collectors; it’s an immersive historical experience for anyone with a curiosity about the past and a love for storytelling. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an avid collector, or simply captivated by the allure of antique treasures, the London Map Fair 2023 has something to offer you.

So, mark your calendars for June 10-11, 2023. Come join me at the Royal Geographical Society, and let’s explore the fascinating world of historic cartography together at the London Map Fair. This summer, allow me to guide you through the captivating chronicles of Britain and beyond, one map at a time.

I’m looking forward to seeing you at the London Map Fair 2023.

Booth (Charles) Editor.

Labour and Life of the People

The complete set of maps in a partial set of this landmark social study of the late Victorian population of London, then the largest city in the world.

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