1949 Seymour Pictorial Air Route Map of the World in Hemispheres for B.O.A.C.

This is a double-sided 1949 E.O. Seymour pictorial air route map of the world in hemispheres for British Overseas Airways Corporation (B.O.A.C.). The Western Hemisphere appears on one side, and the Eastern Hemisphere occupies the other. Black lines trace B.O.A.C. routes and those of affiliated airlines. Pictorial vignettes highlight landmarks throughout the world, many of which fall outside of B.O.A.C.'s network. Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, New York's world-famous skyline, and Chateau Frontenac in Québec City all adorn this excellent map. Cultural vignettes, many of which portray a given part of the world in the most stereotypical manner possible, also decorate the hemispheres. A bullfight in Spain, individuals in 'traditional dress' throughout Africa and East Asia, a man standing next to a reindeer in Finland, a Mountie in Canada, dancers in Argentina, and an Australian aborigine all make appearances. The B.O.A.C. Speedbird adorns the pseudo-metallic border.

The Speedbird

The 'Speedbird,' appearing on this map in the right and left corners, is a stylized emblem of a bird in flight designed in 1932 by Theyre Lee-Elliott as the logo of Imperial Airways. When Imperial Airways merged with British Airways Ltd., forming the British Overseas Airways Corporation or B.O.A.C., the logo was retained. B.O.A.C. eventually became British Airways. The Speedbird logo continued to be used until finally being retired in 1984.

Publication History and Census

This map was drawn by E.O. Seymour and published by the British Overseas Airways Corporation in 1949. An example is part of the David Rumsey Map Collection.