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Before the era of mobile phones incorporating maps and automatic location finders, there was only one way of efficiently navigating your way around London… using an A-Z. One of many London gazetteers, the A-Z became generic for ‘a London map’. Published in many sizes, its iconic design and later distinctive red, white and blue cover became ubiquitous on London’s bookshelves and in motor vehicles.

First published in 1936, millions of copies have been sold and it remains in print with a company HQ just outside London. Each new edition includes thousands of amendments, indicating the ever-changing streetscape of London. To compare editions decades apart is to see the dramatic changes where open spaces previously depicted as white, brown or blue have been transformed into tightly knit concentrations of streets.

This London icon was created by Phyllis Pearsall (1906–96). Born in Dulwich, a LB Southwark plaque at her birthplace commemorates the centenary of her birth. Her mapmaker father disappeared to the USA in the 1920s and Phyllis, out of necessity, became an independent young lady. Somewhat eccentric in manner and dress, by the age of 30 she was making a living as an artist. In 1936, her father suddenly reappeared and created the Geographers’ Map Company, giving the shares to Phyllis and her brother. He asked her to run the UK arm of his new venture with a street guide to London. The company was almost immediately known as the ‘A to Z’, and with this catchy title and word-ofmouth reviews, sales soared.

Phyllis researched London’s streets by walking thousands of miles and making copious notes. The early maps were hand drawn, and key components of that style survive today with wider streets clearly lettered using a sans-serif font and rogue detail to trap those tempted to copy these innovative maps. Most importantly, the maps concentrated on the roads and not landmarks, producing a clean visual impression.

In 1966 the company was converted into a trust, and instructions were given to look after the staff and promote from within. Phyllis worked until the age of 93, and employees continue to mark her birthday each year. In 1986 she was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), and in 2014 her life and impact on London was immortalized as a musical, The A-Z of Mrs P.

3 Court Lane Gardens, Dulwich, SE21 7DZ; transport: North Dulwich (Mainline), West Dulwich (Mainline)

Phyllis Pearsall

A to Z, 1938