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.

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.
Lectures in the history of cartography convened by Catherine Delano-Smith (Institute of Historical Research), Peter Barber (formerly Map Library, British Library), Alessandro Scafi (Warburg Institute) and Philip Jagessar (King’s College London). Meetings in London, when these are physically possible, are generously supported by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association’s Educational Trust and the International Map Collectors’ Society.
Meetings are normally held on selected Thursdays at 5.00pm (admission free). All are welcome. Enquiries: c.delano-smith@qmul.ac.uk.
The 2022-2023 academic year will see a combination of virtual meetings (via Zoom), and in-person meetings in the Warburg Institute lecture room.
Please book in advance.