The Library of Lost Maps
Cartographer James Cheshire will share a story of an overlooked archive in his talks for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s (RSGS) Inspiring People talks programme. The treasure trove reveals how maps have inspired some of the greatest scientific discoveries and also terrible atrocities.
At the heart of University College London, James spent three years sifting through hundreds of drawers and uncovers maps and atlases from the last two centuries, many of which had not seen the light of day for decades.
He reveals astonishing discoveries from his book The Library of Lost Maps, explaining why cartography truly matters and how map making has transformed our understanding of the world around us.
James said: “I’m so thrilled to feature on the Inspiring People programme. It was a visit to the RSGS map room in Perth that inspired me to put pen to paper and write The Library of Lost Maps, so I can’t wait to return to Scotland and share some of the cartographic wonders of the past 200 years.”
RSGS Chief Executive Mike Robinson said: “We’re delighted to have James Cheshire joining us for the talks programme in Edinburgh. James has investigated everything from spatial analysis of surnames to new ways of visualising population data. Among other publications he’s co-authored three critically acclaimed books: London: The Information Capital; Where the Animals Go and the Atlas of the Invisible, showing that good innovative cartography is as relevant today as it’s always been. Come along for a brilliant insight into the world of cartography”
RSGS Inspiring People talks are open to all: tickets are free for RSGS Members, Students and U18s and £15 for general admission. Tickets are available to book online in advance at rsgs.org/events and are also available to buy at the door.
James Cheshire’s talk in Edinburgh begins at 2.15pm on 15 October at 40 George Square, Lecture Theatre B, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9JX.
Professor James Chesire UCL (Geography) seen here on the Portico and in the Map Library, 27th August 2024. Commissioned by James Cheshire for his upcoming book.
Awards for the airport and council
Both Edinburgh Airport and The City of Edinburgh Council have won National Transport awards in London on Thursday evening.
Edinburgh Airport.
Picture Alan Simpson
Jazz on Sunday evening at Whighams
Retrofit to go ahead at the Banana Flats
Plans to transform Edinburgh’s iconic Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have been given the green light.
A planning application for the £69million retrofit of the two buildings, submitted by Collective Architecture, was approved by Development Management Sub-Committee on Wednesday.
Work will include substantial upgrades to ensure the two Category A listed buildings meet the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2. This work will be carried out as well as wider improvements to bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards.
Cables Wynd House and Linksview House were both built in Leith in the 1960s and together provide 310 homes, the majority of which are owned by the Council for social rent.
Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “I am delighted that the necessary planning consent for our plans to upgrade Cables Wynd House and Linksview House to provide safe, energy efficient and high-quality homes for residents there has been granted, enabling these long-awaited works to get underway, hopefully at pace.
“I am also grateful to residents for their proactive and positive engagement with us to shape the Council’s £69 million commitment to improving Cables Wynd and Linksview House – from campaigning for investment in their homes to participating in the consultation process and providing invaluable insight and input into our design proposals.”
View the planning application for Cables Wynd House and Linksview House online.
At Central Library on Saturdays
A children’s art club is held every Saturday at Central Library on George IV Bridge. Details below.
All sessions are free and booking is via Ticket Source or by phoning 0131 242 8040.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
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