Central London Map – Scale – 3 Inches To 1 Mile For The International Federation Of Surveyors 5th International Congress Held In London 18th – 21st July, 1934

Publisher: Ordnance Survey
Price: £150 (post-free in the UK)
Publication Date: 1934
Edition: 1st edition thus
Format: Colour printed
Condition: Very good
Sheet Size: 88.3cm x 63.3cm opened

Condition:

Original printed wrappers. Colour printed. 88.3cm x 63.3cm including margins. Includes small folding plan of venues. Dissected onto linen and folding into card wrappers designed by Ellis Martin. Wrappers chipped and rubbed and repaired to the spine and edges with archive tape. Map and folding plans are in fine condition. Very good condition overall. Scarce.

Location: BR: 002706

London in 1934: A Brief Description

In 1934, London stood as a city of contrasts—deeply rooted in its historic past yet steadily progressing into the modern era. It was a capital imbued with imperial confidence, the beating heart of a vast global empire, and a metropolis whose skyline still bore the stately outlines of domes, spires, and chimneys rather than glass and steel.

The city’s layout remained shaped by centuries of organic growth, radiating from the ancient core of the City of London, still the centre of finance and commerce. Narrow medieval streets and lanes converged with wide Victorian boulevards and newly constructed thoroughfares. The West End, with its grand theatres, department stores, and cafés, thrived with cosmopolitan bustle, while the East End continued to reflect the resilience and hardship of the working classes, marked by crowded housing and dockside industry.

Politically and administratively, Westminster held firm as the seat of power, with the Houses of Parliament, the ministries along Whitehall, and Buckingham Palace all prominent symbols of national identity. King George V occupied the throne, and his Silver Jubilee celebrations loomed on the horizon. The interwar government, under the National Government coalition, grappled with the lingering effects of the Great Depression, but efforts at public works and urban improvement signalled a slow, cautious recovery.

Technologically, London in 1934 was evolving. Motor traffic increased markedly, with private cars, buses, and delivery vans vying with electric trams and bicycles. The London Underground continued to expand, modernise, and electrify, with stations adopting sleek new signage and architecture under the influence of designers like Charles Holden. Railway termini bustled with steam locomotives, and the Thames still carried goods on barges, though river traffic had diminished compared to its 19th-century peak.

Culturally, London was vibrant. Jazz clubs, art exhibitions, literary salons, and cinemas flourished. The BBC, headquartered in the newly completed Broadcasting House, broadcast news and entertainment to a growing wireless audience. The influence of the Bloomsbury Group lingered in intellectual circles, and modernist architecture began to make its mark in select corners of the city, albeit cautiously.

Architecturally, the cityscape was dominated by Victorian and Edwardian buildings, with occasional Edwardian Baroque grandeur giving way to more restrained interwar styles. The skyline was relatively low, punctuated by church towers, domes, and occasional modern buildings, such as the recently completed Senate House of the University of London—an austere, monumental example of Art Deco influence.

Social divisions remained visible. Mayfair, Belgravia, and Kensington exuded affluence and privilege, while parts of Stepney, Poplar, and Southwark struggled with poverty and overcrowding. Yet across the city, there was a shared rhythm to London life—morning papers, factory whistles, lunchtime queues, fogbound evenings, and the distant chime of Big Ben.

In 1934, London was a city in transition: enduringly historic, cautiously modern, and deeply emblematic of Britain’s complex identity between the wars. It retained a sense of grandeur and continuity, even as the rumblings of continental unrest hinted at change on the horizon.

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE AT HORNSEYS

At Hornseys, we are dedicated to offering items that uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of artwork is carefully curated to ensure that each item we offer is authentic, collated, and complete.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each map is researched and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: We wholly own all our artworks. We trust our taste and have invested heavily in it. We have confidence in all artwork that we offer for sale.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If, however, you wish to make a return, artworks may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for whatever reason. We request that we are notified in advance if you wish to do so. They must be returned to us in the same condition as they were sent for a full refund.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND SERVICE

Understanding the value and rarity of these items, we ensure that every aspect of your purchase meets the highest standards of quality and service. This includes:

• Free Expedited, Tracked, and Insured Delivery within the UK: Ensuring that your artwork arrives safely and promptly.
• Fully-Insured Worldwide Delivery: Offering peace of mind for international collectors with reliable and secure shipping options.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION

Visit Hornseys today to explore our fine collection of maps and other artworks. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located since 1976 in Ripon in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, we are recognised as a destination gallery for tastefully curated artwork, rare maps, design, and fine books.