Researched Connections - Art Prints For Intelligent Fans
Back to the Future Gift for Fans | Movie Plot Lines Map Print
- Regular price
-
£42.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
£42.00
Couldn't load pickup availability
Add a second Tube Map print - save 20% applied automatically at checkout, no code needed.
A gift for Back to the Future fans who have seen it a hundred times and never seen the two timelines side by side, because this draws 1985 and 1955 as parallel routes on one map. They have the DeLorean poster already. This shows where the two lines actually touch.
Giclée on 230gsm premium fine art paper, textured matte, archival and acid-free. Available in A2 or A1, with US sizing at 24x18in and 36x24in, unframed or framed. Deeply researched and designed by me in East Sussex.
I mapped Robert Zemeckis's 1985 film so that each character runs as their own line and every key beat becomes a station, in the style of a classic London Underground map. Marty McFly is the constant, and the others cross between the two Hill Valley timelines around him.
Why this Back to the Future plot map art makes a gift fans keep
I plot a film by watching it on stop and start, scene by scene, writing down the action and the lines as they happen. It is slow, and it is the only way the shape of a story comes out accurately.
With this one the shape is unusual, because the same five characters appear twice, thirty years apart, and the map has to carry both. It rewards every closer look.
Characters and key plot points on the map
Marty McFly runs as the constant line, played by Michael J. Fox, moving from 1985 into 1955 and back. Doc Brown's line, played by Christopher Lloyd, is the only other one that knowingly spans both.
George McFly, Lorraine Baines and Biff Tannen each appear twice, played by Crispin Glover, Lea Thompson and Thomas F. Wilson. Their 1955 lines and their 1985 lines run separately, and the whole point of the story is that what happens on one changes the other.
Key stations include the Enchantment Under the Sea dance, where George finally stands up to Biff, the lightning strike at the Hill Valley clock tower, and the DeLorean hitting 88mph for the return.
The film's closing line, "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads", sits on the map as a station marker of its own.
How I make each print
Each one is a Giclée on 230gsm premium fine art paper with a textured matte finish, archival and acid-free, so the colours hold for years. Choose A2 or A1, unframed or framed, ready to hang in a hallway, living room or studio.
| Size | UK | USA / CAN / AUS equivalent | Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2 | 594 x 420 mm (23 x 16 in) | 24 x 18 in | Landscape |
| A1 | 841 x 594 mm (33 x 23 in) | 36 x 24 in | Landscape |
FAQ
Which characters are on the map?
Marty McFly, Doc Brown, George McFly, Lorraine Baines and Biff Tannen, drawn across both the 1985 and 1955 timelines.
How do you plot a film?
By watching it on stop and start, scene by scene, and writing down the action and the dialogue as they happen. There is no shortcut to it.
Does the map cover the sequels?
No. This one charts the 1985 film in full.
What key scenes are included?
The Enchantment Under the Sea dance, the clock tower lightning strike and the return to 1985 are among the mapped stations.
Why do some characters appear twice?
Because they exist in both timelines, so their lines run separately and cross where the story changes them.
What are the framing options?
Unframed, or supplied framed and ready to hang.
Related Film Maps
Browse the full range of gifts for film fans at the Gifts for Movie Fans collection and the Music and Film Wall Art Prints collection at mikebellmaps.com.
Both plotted the same way, the Jaws Plot Lines Map Art Print and the Blade Runner Plot Lines Map Art Print are natural companion pieces.
What people say about my tube map designs
“Brilliant idea... really like what you’ve done, Mike.”
Billy Bragg, on the Billy Bragg discography map
“It is truly amazing.”
Bruce Springsteen Archives, Monmouth University, on the Bruce Springsteen discography map
“Awesome!”
Warren Ellis, on the The Shining plot map
Not sure which artist they'd love?
Let them choose their own map — gift cards never miss a note.
Give a gift card instead →






Tube Map Art Print Specifications
Every map I sell is printed and framed to archival Giclée standards, matching the level of research and detail that goes into each design. These are proper ready-to-hang fan gifts, not flat-packed kits or plastic shortcuts. Below are the full specifications for the paper, frames, glazing, and canvas options that underpin the production process at mikebellmaps.com.
Tube Map Art Print Specifications at a Glance
- Ready-to-hang framed art prints, fully assembled out of the box
- Handmade Italian wooden frames in solid, real wood
- Available in black
- Slim modern gallery profile: 1.5cm wide and deep on A2, 2cm wide and deep on A1
- Premium plexiglass glazing, lightweight and shatter-resistant for safe global shipping
- Museum-quality Giclée printing for exceptional detail and colour accuracy
- 230gsm premium fine art paper with a textured matte finish
- Archival, acid-free stock for long-term colour stability
- Stretched canvas option available on a 4cm deep floater frame
- Pre-fitted sawtooth hangers and rubber bumpers, ready for portrait or landscape display
- Made to order, printed locally, shipped worldwide in protective packaging
Printed Globally
I work with a network of vetted local print partners across the UK, Europe, North America and beyond. Every print in my catalogue is produced to the same museum-quality Giclée standard wherever it is made, with local printing in international markets to reduce shipping miles and avoid unnecessary customs charges for customers.
Paper Specifications
All prints are produced on 230gsm premium fine art paper, an archival-grade, acid-free stock with a textured matte surface that holds the fine line work my discography maps depend on.
- Weight: 230gsm, substantial in the hand, with the heft you would expect from a gallery print
- Finish: Textured matte, natural white
- Surface: Enhances depth without losing print clarity
- Acid-free: Yes, archival grade, designed for long-term colour stability
- Print method: Museum-quality Giclée for exceptional detail and colour accuracy, ideal for the dense typography on my maps, from session musician credits to film plot quotes
Frame Types and Materials
- Material: Solid, real wood construction
- Finishes: Available in black
- Poster frames: Handmade Italian wooden frames paired with high-quality plexiglass
- Canvas frames: Specialised 4cm deep floater frames that give the canvas a suspended, gallery-style look
Frame Dimensions and Profile
- A2 (and up to 50 x 70cm): 1.5cm wide, 1.5cm deep, slim modern gallery profile
- A1 (and above): 2cm wide, 2cm deep, a more substantial frame on the larger prints
- Canvas depth: 4cm deep on floater frames
Premium Plexiglass Glazing
Protecting the artwork is the priority, but so is ensuring it arrives in one piece. Every framed print is glazed with 1-2mm premium plexiglass as standard.
- Crystal-clear viewing surface
- Lightweight, which keeps shipping costs and impact down
- Virtually shatterproof in global transit, particularly on the larger A1 prints, where glass becomes a real risk
- Safer to handle when you are hanging or rearranging the print
Assembly and Hanging
- Arrives fully assembled and ready to hang, no extra hardware needed
- Sawtooth hangers pre-installed for quick mounting
- Turn buttons included for easy access to the back panel
- Rubber bumpers fitted to protect walls and keep the frame level
- Suitable for both portrait and landscape display
Canvas Option
For customers who prefer a frameless wall presence, every map is also available as a stretched canvas print on a 4cm deep floater frame. Same Giclée image quality, presented with a suspended, gallery-style depth that works well on larger walls. Ready to hang straight from the box.
Made to Order, Printed Locally, Shipped Globally
Every print is made on demand, never warehoused. That means fresher prints, no overproduction, and the flexibility to keep my catalogue at mikebellmaps.com growing without having to hold stock.
Wherever possible, prints are produced as close as possible to the delivery address, which means faster delivery and fewer customs surprises. The same museum-quality Giclée standard, whether the print is heading to Brighton or Brooklyn. Packaged in custom-engineered protective packaging for the journey.
For more on local fulfilment, see my locally printed tube maps delivery page.
Tube Map Print Accuracy & Updates
Every one of my prints is the result of my detailed research, cross-referencing, and design refinement. Each tube map is handcrafted to present the most accurate possible picture of an artist’s recording history, a film’s storyline, or a cultural timeline.

I take pride in the precision behind every connection, date, and credit featured across the collection.
Meticulous Research, Human Process
My research combines album liner notes, musicians' inputs, session archives, fan databases, interviews, and verified public sources to ensure each map is factually sound.
However, even the most carefully researched projects can contain minor errors or omissions, especially when dealing with complex discographies and multi-decade histories.

Community Feedback & Collaboration
I actively welcome feedback from fans, collectors, and artists who spot inconsistencies or have new information to share. Each correction helps refine future editions and strengthens the historical accuracy of the maps.
Contributors who provide verified updates receive discounts on future orders as a thank-you for their diligence and support.
Commitment to Quality
Accuracy isn’t just a promise, it’s part of the creative process. Every update and reprint reflects a commitment to truth, design integrity, and respect for the Music, Movie, and other stories represented.
I value the relationship with my customers and the collaboration that ensures these works continue to evolve and stay relevant.
I will always strive to combine artistic expression with documentary accuracy, celebrating creativity through precision and openness.
How to Care for Your Art Print
Thank you for choosing a Mike Bell Maps Giclee Print. To ensure your artwork remains as vibrant as the day it was printed for the next century, please follow these professional handling guidelines:
1. The "Clean Hands" Rule - Giclee prints are created with archival pigment inks that sit on the surface of the 230 gsm paper. Natural skin oils can transfer to the ink. We recommend washing and drying your hands thoroughly before handling or wearing white cotton "archival" gloves if available.
2. Avoid the "Roll-Back" - If your print arrived in a tube, let it flatten naturally. Lay it on a clean, flat surface and place a few heavy, smooth objects (like books) on the corners. Never roll the print tightly in the opposite direction, as this can "stress" the heavy paper fibres and cause creasing.
3. Framing is Protection - To ensure the 100+ year lightfastness guarantee, we recommend framing your print behind UV-protective glass or acrylic. Always use acid-free mounting materials (like the mounts provided in our framed options) to prevent "paper burn" or yellowing over time.
4. Location Matters - While our inks are gallery-standard, prolonged exposure to direct, harsh sunlight can eventually affect any pigment. For maximum longevity, hang your map in a location that avoids consistent direct afternoon sun and high-humidity environments (like bathrooms).
5. Dusting - If your print is unframed, never use water or cleaning sprays. A soft, dry microfiber cloth or a clean squirrel-hair brush is all that is needed to remove surface dust.

