When you’re out and about, enjoying the sunshine, and you suddenly start
thinking about the fourth or fifth dimension, then make sure your brain is
tightly secured inside your head and won’t wobble around.

In March 1962, James Webb, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, suggested that artists be enlisted to document the historic effort to send the first human beings to the moon. John Walker, director of the National Gallery of Art, was among those who applauded the idea, urging that artists be encouraged “…not only to record the physical appearance of the strange new world which space technology is creating, but to edit, select and probe for the inner meaning and emotional impact of events which may change the destiny of our race.”

By Chet Jezierski, © NASA

In 1880 Herbert Fry published London a handbook for Victorian visitors. The popular book ran to many editions. A major factor for its success being the inclusion of twenty illustrations providing: “Bird’s-eye views of the principal streets.”

Map of Oxford Street, 1880 - from Peter Berthoud's blog at http://www.peterberthoud.co.uk/