A unique proof copy of the first London Underground map annotated by its designer will be sold at auction this month when it is expected to make up to £100,000.
The 1932 design is listed by Christie’s at their December 11, Groundbreakers: Icons of our Time sale.
The chromolithographic map shows the iconic diagram created by Harry Beck that is still the basis for the Tube map today.
Beck came up with the diagrammatic representation of the whole tube network after working on electrical circuit designs. By ignoring the literal geographical relationships between stations he made something that effectively communicated the information passengers needed to plan their journeys.
Harry Beck in front of his design that was initially rejected by London Underground before becoming one of the most recognisable and loved designs of the 20th century.
This copy is one of the final proofs before the map was made public in January 1933.
It shows several annotations by Beck and his colleague Fred Stingemore. Among the corrections are the suggested return of a missing branch of the Metropolitan Line serving Watford.
The map is one of very few Back papers to remain available to private collectors. Much of his work was given to his friend and biographer, Ken Garland, who donated most of it to the collections of the London Transport Museum.
This map is listed for sale with an estimate of £70,000 to £100,000.
In 2013, Bonhams sold a collection of Beck’s papers. A sketchbook sold for £32,450.
London Underground memorabilia is also collectible in its own right. The Roundel signs from stations (particularly closed stations) can make tens of thousands of pounds.
Posters can also be valuable. One of the most sought after, from 1938, features a photograph by surrealist photographer Man Ray and can sell for up to £15,000.
