This tiny Underground map is the first time the trifold format was ever employed by a London transport company. At a miniscule 6 x 4 inches, it is also the smallest Tube map ever issued to the public. When folded up, it measures no more than 2x4 inches, perfect for carrying in a pocket, but less-than-ideal for navigating a complicated rail network. Though the map itself is not dated, editions of this map have been found with details suggesting publication dates of 1908-1911. This example appears to have been issued between July 1910 and July 1912 as Liverpool Street Station has its modern name, but the Central London Railway extension from Bank is still under construction.

It is possible that this format and design was invented by the map’s printer, David Allen & Son Ltd, as outside publishers still had a great deal of influence over the shape and size of maps in in the early days of the UERL. The various editions of this map remained in circulation for almost 4 years, suggesting that the map was popular with passengers despite its small size. Strangely, the trifold format would not be used again by the Underground group until Fred Stingemore’s map of 1925. The Metropolitan Railway did produce a small postcard-sized trifold map for visitors to the 1924 British Empire Exhibition but this appears to have been a one-off issue and was not repeated again.

Printed colour. [LDN7069]