The First Issue of the iconic map of the London Underground, with overprinting

The first edition of the diagrammatic map of London's tube network, which, despite being ninety years old, would be instantly recognisable to any commuter today. Beck's revolutionary new 'electrical circuit' design dispensed with scale, bearing and surface landmarks other than the Thames, making the stations equidistant and limiting the curves to either 45 or 90º. Beck submitted two proposals to the Publicity manager before his idea was accepted, and was paid only 10 guineas (today £380) for the artwork of this card, and 5 guineas more for the poster. The Publicity Manager knew he was talking a chance with public opinion: the cover text continues 'We should welcome your comments', but his gamble paid off and Beck's innovation has been in use ever since. Although there are new lines and different colours the only significant design change on the map is the use of rings rather than diamonds for interchanges. This is an unusual variant with red overprinting, advertising the department store 'Peter Robinson' at Oxford Circus. Operating in Oxford Street from 1833, the brand lasted until the late 1970s. John Lewis, founder of a rival shop, had been an employee and turned down a chance to become a partner.