In this talk, Nick Millea, Bodleian Map Librarian, will navigate through some of the highlights of Talking Maps and the rationale behind the exhibition – from early planning meetings to narrowing down the field of exhibits, and focusing on a strong theme. Nick will show how Talking Maps leads audiences away from their cartographic comfort zones and encourages them to explore maps from the afterlife to the Twittersphere.

Nick will be signing copies of Talking Maps¸ the exhibition’s richly illustrated companion catalogue, after the talk. There will also be an exclusive display of maps from the Bodleian’s collections, including:

Ambridge – an imaginary landscape familiar to many – does the map match the listener’s interpretation?
Thomas the Tank Engine – putting the Reverend Awdry’s tales into a cartographic context – how does the Isle of Sodor relate to reality?
A selection of 1940s air photo mosaics – now you see it, now you don’t … literally!
Hoggar’s 1850 map of Oxford – a huge colourful masterpiece – too large to display.
OS mapping of Cutteslowe – how can something hugely significant seem so insignificant when mapped?
Plus many more!