| Method | Chromolithograph |
| Artist | The Bureau of Current Affairs |
| Published | Published October 9th, 1948. Map Review is Produced Fortnightly by The Bureau of Current Affairs, 117 Piccadilly , W.I. Subscription 30/- Per Annum. 1/6 Per Copy Post Free. Printed by Fosh & Cross Ltd. London. |
| Dimensions | 760 x 1015 mm |
| Notes |
A large and colourful infographic map of the world, outlining development plans in the British colonies, published by The Bureau of Current Affairs to coincide with the third meeting of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference. The poster, number 64 in the Map Review series published by the BCA, shows a stylized world map at centre, colour coded in various shades and patterns of pink and black to represent nations with connections to the British Crown. Colonies, Protectorates, and Protected States are coloured in solid dark pink, the Self-Governing Dominions are striped, autonomous territories are dark pink and black, UN trusteeships are light pink and black, and Sudan is striped in thick black lines, representing shared power with Egypt. A large descriptive text below the map explains the main aims of the Colonial Development Act, passed in 1929 but interrupted by the second world war. As part of the welfare program of Clement Attlee's Labour government, £250 million was earmarked for development plans in the Colonies, primarily to raise living standards of local people. Surrounding the central world map, a set of four smaller maps, illustrating commonwealth nations in the West Indies, West and East Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific, and Other Islands, show details of spending in each region. The five main aspects to the plan are shown in a key below the map of the West Indies, with icons representing Communications, Education, Agriculture, Housing, Health, and Universities. Historically the map was issued at an interesting time for the Commonwealth in terms of its identity and relevance. The third Conference was the first to be attended by the leaders of the newly independent India, Pakistan, and Ceylon, leading to discussions about the future status and involvement of republics, particularly India, and Ireland, which had not attended similar meetings in an official capacity since the elections of 1932. The third meeting also marked an official end to the use of the Imperial-era term 'Dominion' for Commonwealth nations. The Bureau of Current Affairs was a peacetime continuation of the Army Bureau of Current Affairs, set up in 1940 following the advice of Dr Tom Jones, the celebrated educationalist, civil servant, and chairman of the Gregynog Press. The ABCA's principal aim was to provide service men and women with mental stimulation and knowledge of current events, through the publication of regular pamphlets, posters, and other educational material, as well as the facilitation of talks, classes, and discussion groups. Management of the Bureau was placed in the hands of Jones' protege, Sir William Emrys Williams, who was already well-known as a leading proponent of lifelong learning, having served before the war as Secretary of the British Institute of Adult Education and as editor-in-chief of Penguin Books. Despite vocal criticism from a number of influential figures, including Churchill, who saw the Bureau as a waste of public funds, the ABCA, with support from the Carnegie Trust, continued after the war as the Bureau of Current Affairs, championing the welfare and social aspirations of Attlee's Labour government. Condition: Pressed vertical and horizontal folds, as issued. Tears, creases, and abrasion to folds. Blank on verso. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £500.00 |
| Stock ID | 53433 |