Melbourne on the map

The Melbourne Map’s producer Melinda Clarke and illustrator Lewis Brownlie treated CBD workers and residents to a behind-the-scenes look at the hand-drawn map at Collins Place in November. 

Mr Brownlie could be seen in action, drawing an updated Melbourne Map at the free exhibition held at Collins Place from November 13 to 19.

The original 1990 map, created by Ms Clarke and artist Deborah Young, was also on show.

Just like the landscape in Melbourne, the Melbourne Map has come a long way from its original version in 1990.

The Hoddle Grid and its surrounding suburbs have changed drastically, which will be illustrated with the updated map.

Mr Brownlie has been drawing the map for 16 months and said it was a labouring but rewarding process.

“Melbourne has really exploded in the past 20 years. There are so many details that require patience and sticking with it even when you don’t feel like it,” he said.

The team said it had put in 6000 hours in researching and illustrating Melbourne’s changing landscape and the updated Melbourne Map would be available to the public next June.