Stratford-Upon-Avon

Visual celebration of the birthplace of Shakespeare.

This is one of several pictorial maps created by artist Kerry Lee in the years immediately following World War II. Each emphasizes a city’s historical identity, leveraging the past as a way to look to a hopeful future in the postwar world. This particular example shows Stratford-Upon-Avon, and it’s no surprise to see the strong association with its most famous resident – William Shakespeare.

A portrait of the Immortal Bard looks down upon the city from the top of the image, with the rest of the border comprised of scenes from his most famous plays. With the map’s image are noted numerous locations, both old and new, that relate to the life of the Bard of Avon. His birthplace, burial grounds, and the modern Royal Shakespeare Theater are just a few examples. Prominent figures from his past also make an appearance, telling much of the playwright’s personal history (through the pen of Kerry Lee).

The map was printed by Chromoworks, Ltd. in 1948. Published in London by Pictorial Maps, Ltd. for the Travel Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.