We are delighted to invite you to join us for an exhibition at The Map House, from 23rd September  –  18th November 2016. We will be showcasing a powerful collection of rare propaganda and conflict pictorial maps that form a fascinating and visually stunning record of a half-century of warfare, from 1900 to 1950.

Above, André Hugenin’s elegant monochrome caricature of Europe published in Switzerland for the French market shows the countries characterised by the heads of state or national stereotypes. To the right we see the dominant profile of Nicholas II of Russia, his lighted cigar tip resting on the head of Franz Josef I of Austria-Hungary who in turn is attempting to swallow the Balkans. Published in Switzerland , 1915.

This is one of the great iconic pictorial pieces of the 20th Century. The artist, Fred Rose, has managed to capture all the internecine resentments, squabbles and rivalries of Europe, a continent on the very eve of self-destruction.
Rose was undoubtedly one of the most influential of all anthropomorphic map makers of the modern age. Hi first, Octopus Map (1877), set the style of satirical and propaganda map-making, and was widely copied throughout the world over the next century. Published in London, 1900

This powerful of Roosevelt and Churchill in a tug-of-war over Africa was created by Jean Fort in 1941 for Propaganda-Abteilung Frankreich), the German propaganda unit that occupied France. It was designed to influence French patriotic feeling and resentment after the Allied invasion of French North Africa at the start of Operation Torch. Vichy France had over 105,000 manned stations in North Africa and it was a matter of vital strategic concern to both the Allied and the Axis powers whether they would resist the foreign invaders or join their compatriots in the Free French. Published in Paris, 1942

The genesis for this poster printed in London for the Dutch Government in exile lies in the determination of all the colonial powers, unless irrevocably on the “wrong side” to reclaim their pre-war overseas possessions. This striking image of the malevolent octopus emerging from the rising sun with its long tentacles grasping the East Indies represents the stranglehold which Japan had gained over the former Dutch colonies. According to the Imperial War Museum, James Haworth & Brother Ltd. printed 10,000 copies of this poster on behalf of the London based Netherlands Government. Published in London, 1944.

Come and see our compelling War Map collection for yourself at The Map House between 23rd September – 18th November. For more information, email maps@themaphouse.com or call +44 (0)207 589 4325. The Map House is open Monday – Friday 10am until 6pm and Saturdays 10:30am until 5pm. Closed on Sundays. Click here for map.