Starting the New Year off right with this lovely illustrated map of coach services from London through the Thames Valley to destinations like Oxford, Reading and Worcester. Designed by illustrator Derrick Sayer, the simplified route diagram is presented on the back of a beautiful swan, acting as a symbol of the Thames. Another contemporaneous poster by the same illustrator uses a jumping fish as the backdrop to the diagram, to slightly less visual effect.

At the time, South Midland Motor Services were an operating division of the Thames Valley Traction Co., explaining why routes of both companies are shown on the map. Service to Oxford ran about once an hour, alternating between the Henley and High Wycombe routes.

Source: David Rumsey Map Collection