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Maps and Society Lecture Series

A series of lectures on the history of maps and mapping worldwide, from earliest times to the twentieth century, with an emphasis on the social and cultural factors of the maps’ context, production, and use.

Convenors: Catherine Delano-Smith (Institute of Historical Research) and Philip Jagessar (King’s College London) with Alessandro Scafi (Warburg Institute).

These lectures focus on the history of maps and mapping worldwide, from earliest times to the twentieth century, with an emphasis on the social and cultural factors of the maps’ context, production, and use. Many speakers are internationally well-known scholars in the subject, but early-career speakers are also encouraged. The meetings advance understanding of non-current maps both through formal proceedings and informal encounters with established practitioners, who include academics, librarians, map collectors, and dealers. The style of the well-illustrated lectures is scholarly but accessible to an audience whose own interests and expertise range widely.

Meetings are normally held on selected Thursdays at 5.00pm (admission free). In 2024-2025 all meetings will be held at the Warburg Institute, Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB with live-streaming via Zoom. We strongly encourage all who can to support the speaker by attending in person. 

This series is generously supported by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association’s Educational Trust and the International Map Collectors’ Society.

Enquiriesc.delano-smith@sas.ac.uk or philip.jagessar@kcl.ac.uk.