Celebrating Two Decades of The Future Mapping Company : From Niche Creativity to Global Success
In 2004, a small but passionate venture was born from the mind of Marcus Kirby. The Future Mapping Company began as a niche business with a singular vision: to sell high-quality, beautifully designed wall maps that combined both artistry and functionality. As we celebrate 20 years of map making, we look back at the remarkable journey that has brought us here and honour the relentless spirit of our founder.
The Genesis: Marcus Kirby's Vision
Marcus Kirby's journey started with a simple yet profound idea: to create maps that were not only accurate and functional but also visually stunning. His passion for design and cartography led him to establish The Future Mapping Company, where he could merge these two loves into a unique product. The goal was to craft maps that people would be proud to display in their homes, offices, and classrooms.
Early Challenges and Triumphs
The early days were filled with challenges, from the self-teaching of Design and GIS packages required to develop the maps to perfecting the printing techniques that would bring Marcus's vision to life. However, the dedication to excellence paid off. The first collection of maps, with their vibrant colours and modern graphic feel, quickly gained attention. Word-of-mouth and positive reviews fuelled initial sales, and The Future Mapping Company started gaining a loyal customer base in and around London.
Breaking Into Markets and Shops
As demand grew, so did the ambition to expand. Marcus began exploring new avenues for distribution. Breaking into physical markets and shops was a pivotal step. By showcasing his maps in well-curated retail environments both in the UK and abroad, he reached customers who appreciated the blend of art and utility. This presence in product design and gift shops along with designer/maker craft markets and exhibitions also allowed him to gather valuable feedback, which was used to continually refine his maps.
The Digital Leap: Futuremaps.com
Recognising the power of the internet, The Future Mapping Company launched its online store, futuremaps.com. This move not only helped expand reach globally but also allowed us to connect directly with our customers. The website became a hub for exploring our expanding range of maps, learning about the creative process behind them, and making purchases with ease. The online store has been instrumental in our growth, providing a platform to showcase our maps in full.
Celebrating 20 Years: A Look Back and Forward
As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we take pride in the journey that has brought us here. Marcus Kirby's vision of transforming a niche creative idea into a globally recognised brand has been realised through hard work, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are grateful to our customers, whose appreciation and support have been the driving force behind our success.
Looking ahead, The Future Mapping Company remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and cartography. We aim to continue creating maps that inspire, educate, and adorn walls around the world. Great accessible design and top-quality printing will guide our future endeavours, ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of our discerning customers.
Join the Celebration
To mark this special milestone, we have just printed a brand-new World wall map. The Peirce Quincuncial projection is one that we have admired for years and now we are proud to bring it to you in our signature colour ways and vivid shimmering inks. Follow us on social media and visit futuremaps.com for updates on exclusive anniversary collections, behind-the-scenes stories, and more.
Finale
The journey of The Future Mapping Company is a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. From a small niche business to a global leader in high-quality wall maps, our story is one of passion, hard work and creation. As we celebrate 20 years, we look forward to many more years of mapping, one beautifully crafted map at a time.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
