The Sunderland Collection, a renowned collection of antique maps and atlases, is pleased to announce their upcoming symposium, “Challenging Maps and Exploration – Cartographic Encounters with Empire, Indigeneity, and Contemporary Exploration.” The event will take place in London and online on 30 October 2025 and is free of charge and open to all.
In partnership with the Royal Geographical Society, the symposium will feature a day of discussions exploring historical and contemporary issues surrounding maps and exploration. The event will bring together experts in the field to discuss important and often overlooked topics, such as the decolonization of geography and the power of maps to empower disenfranchised Indigenous communities. It will also include insights from explorers on their use of maps in the field.
The day will consist of three panels, each featuring leading voices from a range of specialisms and an audience Q&A. The first panel, “Cartographic Encounters with Empire,” will feature Dr Edward Armston-Sheret from the RGS-IBG, Professor Sujit Sivasundaram from the University of Cambridge, and Dr Katie Parker from the RGS-IBG. They will discuss how the intertwined history of exploration and empire can be analyzed through maps and other cartographic objects.
The second panel, “Cartographic Encounters with Indigeneity,” will include Professor Michael Bravo from the University of Cambridge, Dr Rohini Rai from the University of London, and Dr Sana Murrani from the University of Plymouth. They will explore how Indigenous peoples have used and continue to use maps as powerful tools to reclaim sovereignty, places names, and resources.
The final panel, “Cartographic Encounters with Contemporary Exploring,” will feature explorer and climate scientist Felicity Aston, adventurer and author Phoebe Smith, and explorer Tom Allen from the RGS-IBG. They will share their favorite map and navigational stories and discuss how historical maps influence and inspire their expeditions.
Helen Sunderland-Cohen, custodian of The Sunderland Collection and a Fellow of the RGS, expressed her excitement for the event, saying, “Creating opportunities for discussion, debate and learning in the varied and wonderful world of cartography is central to our mission at The Sunderland Collection.” She encourages all interested individuals to join in person or online for what promises to be a fascinating day of thought, exploration, and ideas.
Dr Katie Parker, cartographic collections manager of the Royal Geographical Society, also shared her thoughts on the symposium, stating, “Maps tell stories, often stories of exploration.” She hopes that the event will continue important conversations about when, where, why, and by whom exploration occurs and the significant role maps play in recording and commemorating these journeys.
The symposium will take place on 30 October 2025 at the Education Centre of the Royal Geographical Society in London and online at RGS.org. Tea, coffee, and lunch will be provided for those attending in person, and the event is free of charge. Registration is available on the RGS website.
Following the event, the panel discussions will also be available on The Sunderland Collection’s online home, oculi-mundi.com. The Sunderland Collection, founded 40 years ago by Dr Neil Sunderland, is based in Switzerland and showcases the evolution of knowledge through its collection of antique maps and atlases. It is dedicated to making its collection accessible for study and enjoyment and has been digitized in full.
In addition to its online presence, The Sunderland Collection actively promotes heritage skills, craftsmanship, art, and the exploration of ideas through its busy program of exhibition loans, free conferences, and The Sunderland Collection Art Programme. Oculi Mundi, the online home of The Sunderland Collection, is a destination for discovery, shared exploration, and sheer joy, offering an immersive digital cultural heritage experience. It celebrates human achievement, artistry, and imagination and aims to inspire future innovation, scholarship, and creativity.
The Royal Geographical Society, founded in 1830, is a learned society, professional body, and registered charity with over 14,000 members. It is dedicated to the advancement of geographical science and achieving its mission through a variety of initiatives, including education, research, expeditions, and fieldwork. The Society also advocates on behalf of the discipline and offers a broad public and cultural engagement program. Their historical Collections of over two million items span 500 years of geography, travel, and exploration, and support their goal of fostering an understanding and informed enjoyment of the world we live in.
To learn more about the symposium and the organizations involved, visit oculi-mundi.com and rgs.org.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.