RCA Society

"Underground Maps" by Maxwell Roberts

Had Harry Beck, the creator of the original iconic Tube Map, been a psychologist at the University of Essex then this exhibition shows the range of work he would have created. Maxwell Roberts has pushed the boundaries of the diagrammatic mapping from the rules set by tools of the trade at the time, a draughting board with a T-square and 45% set-square, and change the rules not just by angles but by lines being curved and also wavy.

The underlying strict formality of his work is still lines and intersections which are configured into new network shapes for the eye to travel across London, NYC, Paris and others. You no longer need to visit these cities to experience the visual ride on their underground maps.

RCA members were invited to the exhibition and launch of the book 'Underground Maps Unravelled' at the Alan Baxter Gallery (Cowcross Street near Farringdon Station). This is an awesome compendium of  224 pages of diagrammatic train line diagrams revealing of twenty years of work. Max's favourite map stated under the influence of several glasses of wine is on Page 150....

Exhibition and Book review by David Sherriff. 
For more information get in touch with David Sherriff - RCA Society Management Committee "Events".