Secret Maps at the British Library
Maps have long been a source of both power and threat, shaped by who controls the data, the scale, and the narrative. They do more than guide us geographically; maps serve as cultural artifacts that reflect and often influence the values, priorities, and secrets of the societies that make them.
Exploring the Role of Maps
The British Library’s exhibition, Secret Maps, showcases over 100 remarkable items that trace the complex history of maps as tools for revelation and concealment. From hand-drawn naval charts presented to Henry VIII to the satellite data collected by modern smartphones, the exhibition reveals how maps have historically shaped power, shaped imperial ambitions, and encoded concerns about security and privacy.
Cartography as State Secrecy
A central theme of the exhibition is the use of maps for state secrecy. Many early exhibits were never meant for public view, such as:
- Confidential maps of the English coast commissioned by Tudor monarchs
- Secret trading route charts by the Dutch East India Company
- Classified military plans for the D-Day landings
"The shaping of knowledge was, and often still is, an act of geopolitical strategy."
Empowerment Through Maps
Besides secrecy and control, maps have also empowered communities, recorded injustices, and challenged official stories, highlighting their complex and multifaceted role in society.
Author's summary: The British Library's Secret Maps exhibition reveals how maps have historically shaped power, secrecy, and community narratives, serving as vital cultural and political tools.