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While the world has been busy in the battle against Coronavirus many of us have experienced long periods of lockdown. I've not attended an auction looking for antique maps and prints for months. I really hope to get back out and see people again soon. Recently though I've been attending more online auctions where I felt comfortable about making an 'absentee bid' based on info and pictures provided to me by the auction house.
I'm delighted to report one of these acquisitions was for a rather sorry and broken copy of "The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies; from 1799 to 1815" Printed for James Jenkins No 48 Strand By L. Harrison & J. C. Leigh, 373 Strand. To my delight, considering I'd not been able to go and actually look at the condition of the plates the majority remain in exceptional condition.
The hand coloured plates are military scenes and battles, by T. Sutherland, D. Havell, M. Dubourg, J. Hill et al from drawings by William Heath. Heath (1794 - 1840) was a British artist. His early works often dealt with military themes, and this is probably the best known of his illustrated military books.
In the coming weeks I will share more from this exceptional illustrated work and hope to make prints available for sale when ready. If you're aware of this work as a print collector and are after a particular print from this series please drop me an email......kevin@raremapsandprints.co.uk
Stay Safe!
I'm delighted to report one of these acquisitions was for a rather sorry and broken copy of "The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies; from 1799 to 1815" Printed for James Jenkins No 48 Strand By L. Harrison & J. C. Leigh, 373 Strand. To my delight, considering I'd not been able to go and actually look at the condition of the plates the majority remain in exceptional condition.
The hand coloured plates are military scenes and battles, by T. Sutherland, D. Havell, M. Dubourg, J. Hill et al from drawings by William Heath. Heath (1794 - 1840) was a British artist. His early works often dealt with military themes, and this is probably the best known of his illustrated military books.
In the coming weeks I will share more from this exceptional illustrated work and hope to make prints available for sale when ready. If you're aware of this work as a print collector and are after a particular print from this series please drop me an email......kevin@raremapsandprints.co.uk
Stay Safe!
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From this today you can get up close and personal with up to thirty historical globes as the British Library unveils its latest cutting edge project. This is the result of two years’ collaboration between BL imaging specialists and the digitization company Cyreal, developing bespoke equipment to photograph and digitize the globes from the library’s vast maps collection.
British Library's historical globes date from around 1600 to 1950 and represent three centuries of Western cartography.
Today 26th March is release date and you can have a mooch around from the comfort of your own sofa, no need to step outside!
The first seven globes to be made available on release include:
Today 26th March is release date and you can have a mooch around from the comfort of your own sofa, no need to step outside!
The first seven globes to be made available on release include:
• Possibly the earliest miniature ‘pocket’ globe, from 1679 by Joseph Moxon
• Willem Janszoon Blaeu’s small table star globe of 1606
• The unique surviving star globe by Thomas Tuttell, 1700
• Johann Doppelmayr’s star globe from 1728
• Richard Cushee’s 1730 terrestrial globe with its unusually late inclusion of the island of California
• Charles Price’s 1715 globe containing unusual annotations
• Gabriel Wright and William Bardin’s 1783 globes
• Willem Janszoon Blaeu’s small table star globe of 1606
• The unique surviving star globe by Thomas Tuttell, 1700
• Johann Doppelmayr’s star globe from 1728
• Richard Cushee’s 1730 terrestrial globe with its unusually late inclusion of the island of California
• Charles Price’s 1715 globe containing unusual annotations
• Gabriel Wright and William Bardin’s 1783 globes
You can find out more at the British Library website Collection Items - Enjoy & Stay Safe!
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Back in September this map dubbed the 'Holy Grail' for collectors, was sold at Reeman Dansie Auction House for £260,000 - smashing a 138-year-old record. I had my eye on a couple of far lesser maps in this auction but this was the "jewel in the crown" of any enthusiast. This and other maps in the auction were sold on behalf of the late Christopher Beresford-Jones, a prominent collector. The whole collection raising just short of £500k.
If you didn't get the chance to see the Murillo Velarde map of the Philippines then the following pictures and images will be of great interest.
Pedro de Murillo Velarde (1696-1753), engraved map - ‘ Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica delas Yslas Filipinas Dedicada al Rey Nuestro Señor Por el Mariscal d Campo D. Fernando Valdes Tamon Cavallº del Orden de Santiago de Govor. y Capn. General de dichas Yslas‘, ( The Murillo Velarde Map), engraved by Nicolás de la Cruz Bagay, published Manilla 1734, title cartouche at the top with the Royal Bourbon coat of arms, supported by two cherubs with trumpets, the title on a cloth held by two female allegorical figures bearing charts and instruments for navigation.
A further ornate cartouche below, surmounted by a crowned lion wielding a sword and a candle, contains a brief history of the archipelago starting with Magellan's arrival and death in 1521, a description of the resources: ‘These islands are numerous and rich: they have gold, wax, sugar, honey, tobacco, ginger, indigo, Brazil wood (sfibucao), pitch, rice, salt, wheat, maize, lemons, oranges, bananas and many fruits and edible roots, palo Maria, tamarind, cassia-trees, Catbalogan seeds, dragon blood, lignum vitae, coconuts, bamboos, rattan and many kinds of palms, mahogany, tindalo and excellent timber for ships: horse, caraboas or buffaloes, cows, pigs, deer, chickens and much fish.’ There follows a description of the settlements, peoples, clergy and administration, all above an engraving of his ship the Victoria.
A further ornate cartouche below, surmounted by a crowned lion wielding a sword and a candle, contains a brief history of the archipelago starting with Magellan's arrival and death in 1521, a description of the resources: ‘These islands are numerous and rich: they have gold, wax, sugar, honey, tobacco, ginger, indigo, Brazil wood (sfibucao), pitch, rice, salt, wheat, maize, lemons, oranges, bananas and many fruits and edible roots, palo Maria, tamarind, cassia-trees, Catbalogan seeds, dragon blood, lignum vitae, coconuts, bamboos, rattan and many kinds of palms, mahogany, tindalo and excellent timber for ships: horse, caraboas or buffaloes, cows, pigs, deer, chickens and much fish.’ There follows a description of the settlements, peoples, clergy and administration, all above an engraving of his ship the Victoria.
The map is dissected and re-mounted on linen, 111cm x 120cm, early pen inscription verso - ‘map of the Philippine Islands’, folding map in later slip case. An extremely rare map and believed to be one of only around 15 extant examples of this first edition - the majority in International Institutions, and not all examples retain the flanking vignettes. Cited as the first scientific map of the Philippines and considered the most important Philippines map, it is celebrated for its detail and accuracy, it features shipping routes for trade with China and charts the course of Magellan’s navigations.
The map features twelve flanking vignettes (Some shown here) encapsulating the essence of the Philippines, depicting different ethnic groups, customs, flora and fauna, also featured are miniature maps of Guajan (Guam), Manila, Samboangan and Cavite , all extensively annotated. The map influenced all subsequent Philippine maps for decades to follow but its influence was also notable on European maps.
The map features twelve flanking vignettes (Some shown here) encapsulating the essence of the Philippines, depicting different ethnic groups, customs, flora and fauna, also featured are miniature maps of Guajan (Guam), Manila, Samboangan and Cavite , all extensively annotated. The map influenced all subsequent Philippine maps for decades to follow but its influence was also notable on European maps.
In recent times The Murillo Velarde map has been instrumental in the Philippines' efforts to assert territorial rights in the South China Sea. The map, together with others was used by the Philippines' team of experts to refute China's historic claim of ownership of the entire South China Sea. It features ‘Panacot’ (Scarborough Shoal) as well as ‘Los Bajos de Paragua’ (Spratly Isles). In 2016 the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favour of the Philippines stating that China had "no historical rights". China however, rejected the ruling.
Provenance: Purchased from the map dealer Susanna Fisher, 1986 for £4,500. She had acquired the map from a trade source some years before and prior to that the map was believed to have been in private hands in the U.K. She states in correspondence that the ancient pen inscription in English to the reverse suggests that this map has been in the U.K. for a very long period of time.
Provenance: Purchased from the map dealer Susanna Fisher, 1986 for £4,500. She had acquired the map from a trade source some years before and prior to that the map was believed to have been in private hands in the U.K. She states in correspondence that the ancient pen inscription in English to the reverse suggests that this map has been in the U.K. for a very long period of time.
With thanks to Reeman Dansie Auctioneers & Valuers
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WHAT TO COLLECT? This remains the big question for lovers of cartography. Well here's a quick guide. Senior specialist Julian Wilson of Christies charts the map collector’s world, from the landmark 16th-century atlases published by Ortelius and Blaeu to Nasa’s psychedelic maps of the dark side of the moon. Illustrated with lots past and present offered at the auction house.
Subjects covered includes:
Here's the link to GUIDE TO COLLECTING MAPS
If you collect antique maps or prints please tell us what you collect and why? Simply leave a comment below . . .
Subjects covered includes:
- The golden age of cartography: Ortelius and Blaeu
Real rarities
Portolan atlases
The appeal of the unusual, from Scotland to California
The importance of provenance
Affordable entry points for starting a collection
Find alternative and unexpected areas to collect
Visiting map fairs and map dealers to find out more about atlases and maps
Here's the link to GUIDE TO COLLECTING MAPS
If you collect antique maps or prints please tell us what you collect and why? Simply leave a comment below . . .
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Yesterday one of the world’s greatest libraries of seafaring books and atlases went to auction at Christies in London. This included 203 lots with beautiful 17th century atlases from the Dutch Golden Age of Cartography, important and decorative single-sheet maps, as well rare narratives of the great voyages of exploration and discovery.
For breadth, scope and quality, the Mopelia Collection is one of the finest such collections to appear at auction. Here are some highlights from the sale with hammer sale prices. You can feast you eyes over some of these beauties including Johannes van Keulen's De Groote Nieuwe Vermeerder-de Zee-Atlas ofte WaterWerelt. Published in Amsterdam in 1688, this is a handsomely engraved and beautifully hand-coloured example with the frontispiece and maps highlighted in gold, perhaps one of the greatest 17th-century Dutch sea-atlases to come to the market in recent years.
For breadth, scope and quality, the Mopelia Collection is one of the finest such collections to appear at auction. Here are some highlights from the sale with hammer sale prices. You can feast you eyes over some of these beauties including Johannes van Keulen's De Groote Nieuwe Vermeerder-de Zee-Atlas ofte WaterWerelt. Published in Amsterdam in 1688, this is a handsomely engraved and beautifully hand-coloured example with the frontispiece and maps highlighted in gold, perhaps one of the greatest 17th-century Dutch sea-atlases to come to the market in recent years.
KEULEN, Johannes van (1654-1715). De Groote Nieuwe Vermeerderde Zee-Atlas ofte Water-Werelt. Amsterdam: Johannes van Keulen, 1688. A hand-coloured maritime atlas of unprecedented scope and splendour. The charts after Claes Janszoon Voght combine baroque artistry with a technical ability that resulted in a half century of steady publication for the atlas from 1680 to 1734. Voght also wrote the short text. As Koeman stresses, the atlas was different to its predecessors in going through a process of continual enlargement and in having a content that was so variable. Estimate: £150,000 - £200,000 Sold: £395,250
RENARD, Louis (fl. c.1702-1707) – Reinier OTTENS (1698-1750) and Josua OTTENS (1704-1765). Atlas van Zeevaert en Koophandel door de Geheele Weereldt. Amsterdam: Reinier and Josua Ottens, 1745. Magnificent, hand-coloured copy of the corrected issue of Renard’s Atlas de la navigation et du commerce (Amsterdam: 1715), which had been printed from plates used for Frederik de Wit’s maritime atlas of c.1675. The firm of R. and J. Ottens produced a French edition in 1739, slightly different from 1715, and then this 1745 edition with Dutch text and careful correction of the plates. Estimated: £25,000 - £35,000 Sold: £50,000
GOOS, Pieter (1615/1616-1675). Orbis Terrarum Nova et accuratissima tabula. Nieuwe Werelt Kaert. [Amsterdam: 1666 or later]. Very rare double-hemisphere world map, from Pieter Goos' maritime atlas, 'the finest printed at the time' (Shirley). This map's predecessors were the world maps published by Visscher and Blaeu - in fact Goos' atlases were often added to Blaeu's Atlas Maior as a maritime supplement. Estimate £6000 - £8000 Sold: £11,250
WAGHENAER, Lucas Janszoon (1533-1606). De Zee Custen tußchen Dovere en Orfordtsneße, daer de Teemse de Vermaerde Rivire va Lonen gelegen is. [Amsterdam: Cornelis Claesz, 1588]. Van Doetecum engraved map of the coast of eastern England, from Dover to Great Yarmouth, showing the mouth of the Thames, coloured by a contemporary hand. Koeman IV, Wag 6 (23c); New Hollstein 816/VII. Estimate £800 - £1200 Sold: £1500
For those of you who like to know the numbers: Sale total including buyer’s premium: GBP 2,301,000
Source and with thanks to Christies.com
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it's that time of year again for map lovers to descend on the showcase event that is "The London Map Fair." Held at the historic London venue of The Royal Geographic Society map enthusiast from around the world get the chance to attend the largest antique map fair in Europe. The event brings together around 40 of the leading national and international antiquarian map dealers as well as hundreds of visiting dealers, collectors, curators and map aficionados.
Highlights at this years fair provide for all levels of interest and budget. The wonderful thing about the fair is the opportunity to see many examples of fine cartography from around the world. You get the chance to meet other map enthusiasts and for those new to collecting you get the chance to hear talks about map collecting for beginners. For those more serious collectors with deeper pockets these may take your fancy!
Carte Generale De La Terre Appliquee A L'Astronomie pour L'Etude de La Geographie Terrestre et Celeste, Dressee par Le Sr. Flecheux, D'Apres Les Nouvelles Observations. Paris / 1782 Striking World Map with Astronomical Instruments by Renowned French Inventor and Astronomer -- Includes A Remarkable Note on the Existence of Antarctica Fine, innovative world map by the astronomer, mathematician, and inventor Louis Flecheux. The map is surrounded by Flecheux’s theories about celestial phenomena and their courses relative to the earth’s surface, as well as descriptions of two of his inventions, the Loxocosme and the Quart de Cercle. (For Sale from Barry Lawrence Rudermann, Antique Maps Inc.) $24,500
A classic 16th century map of South America LINSCHOTEN, Jan Huygen van. A highly decorative map of South America, engraved by Arnold Florent van Langeren for Linschoten's 'Itinerario', a manual for sailing to the East Indies. Orientated with north to the right, the West Indies and Florida are shown in some detail on the right; on the left Terra del Fuego, the landmass south of the Straits of Magellan, spreads out to fill the entire height of the map. (For sale from Altea Antique Maps & Charts) £7,850
For those enthusiasts with a more modest budget I've produced a catalogue with a small collection of items I'm making available more or less at 'trade prices' including maps from the British Isles my Mercator, Ortelius and Jansson.
Included are Maps of The America's by Thomas Bowen c1170 & 1784 along with a copy of The United States of North America the Civil War Map by Theodor Ettling c1861.
Always a favourite, Hemisphere maps includes editions by Guillaume Delisle, Antonio Zatta and John Rapkin and Allain Manesson Mallet along with a selection of small Charts & Plans and finally English County Maps.
You can download a copy of the catalogue directly by clicking the link below - Enjoy!
Rare Maps and Prints London Map Fair Catalogue
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I've just had the pleasure of reading 'Introduction to Pictorial Maps' by Matthias Mayenschein. If pictorial maps are of interest to you or a passion as they are for me then you must grab a copy of this work. I've put a link at the bottom of this article.
The book is a fascinating read. Presenting various maps and mapmakers all in chronological order from Claudius Ptolemy's "Geographia" up to the period of the 1960's then exploring the monumental and pictographic maps. The most striking maps are presented along with good historic background information. Many maps are illustrated, needless to say I can only give you a taste here. Hopefully this will be enough to stimulate your interest and you an go get a copy for yourself and yes the book is currently available FREE!
The book is a fascinating read. Presenting various maps and mapmakers all in chronological order from Claudius Ptolemy's "Geographia" up to the period of the 1960's then exploring the monumental and pictographic maps. The most striking maps are presented along with good historic background information. Many maps are illustrated, needless to say I can only give you a taste here. Hopefully this will be enough to stimulate your interest and you an go get a copy for yourself and yes the book is currently available FREE!
The subjects covered and some examples:
1) Pictorial Maps - What are they?
2) The history of pictorial maps, early beginnings with description of the most striking examples
1) Pictorial Maps - What are they?
2) The history of pictorial maps, early beginnings with description of the most striking examples
Pictorial maps were drawn since prehistoric times. Some of the wall paintings show maps of hunting areas, streams, routes, and even maps of the stars. Let’s begin this introduction to pictorial maps with the Catalan Atlas from 1375. It is one of the earliest medieval charts, used by marine navigators, containing geographic data from the Hebrew Bible, the famous letters of Prester John, Marco Polo’s records of his travels and other latest information on Asia and China.
Image: Marco Polo's caravan traveling along the Silk Road
3) Examples of pictorial maps in the 19th century
“The Crystal Palace Game” was created as an educational world map game by the Royal Geographic Society’s Henry Smith Evans around 1854 tocelebrate “The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations”. The brainchild of Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, the exhibition
was held in Hyde Park, in London, between May and October 1851. Players followed a route past sea monsters, hostile tribesmen and other hazards through the distant corners of the British Empire. Intended to celebrate the country’s global dominance and influence in the Arts, Science Technology and Culture, the game board lives up to the motto that proclaims: “Britain, upon whose empire the sun never sets”:
was held in Hyde Park, in London, between May and October 1851. Players followed a route past sea monsters, hostile tribesmen and other hazards through the distant corners of the British Empire. Intended to celebrate the country’s global dominance and influence in the Arts, Science Technology and Culture, the game board lives up to the motto that proclaims: “Britain, upon whose empire the sun never sets”:
4) The history of pictorial maps, 19th and 20th century, in chronological order, with a description of the most striking examples
A panoramic map or bird’s eye view map was a popular cartographic form to depict U.S. and Canadian cities and towns during the 19th and early 20th century. The development of lithography in the nineteenth century created an opportunity for the development of major new markets for maps, and especially of counties and urban places. Lithography enabled inexpensive, single-sheet reproductions, however in only relatively small numbers.
This panoramic promotional bird’s-eye view of Manhattan Island is viewed from New York Harbor in the south and includes the Hudson and East Rivers as well as parts of Brooklyn, Queens and Bergen County and New Jersey on the opposite shores. The buildings and bridges are rendered in what appears to be accurate proportions in the lower part of Manhattan; elsewhere they are
indicated in a more generalised manner. The rivers have numerous clipperships and other vessels sailing the waters or are docked at wharves, with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.
indicated in a more generalised manner. The rivers have numerous clipperships and other vessels sailing the waters or are docked at wharves, with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.
5) Examples of a Paris pictorial / pictographic map
6) Satire & Caricature Maps in the first half of the 20th Century
6) Satire & Caricature Maps in the first half of the 20th Century
The serio-comic political cartoon map of Europe was designed by Frederick Rose and published in 1900. The famous map of Europe made up of caricatures of each country, highlighting the insecurities of the time, as explained by the text on the left. The main worry is the Russian octopus with the face of Tsar Nicolas II, with tentacles wrapped around the throats of Poland, Persia and China, one grabbing for Turkey's foot and another laid across Finland. England and Scotland are depicted as a soldier in tropical uniform, waving a Union Jack, with two wildcats, marked “Orange Free State” and “Transvaa”, savaging his legs. He sits on shells marked with their
destinations: India, Canada, South Africa and Australia. France beckons Germany to help her against Britain who she blames for her colonial upsets, and Italy stretches out a helping hand. Spain is mourning the recent loss of Cuba and the Philippines, her last important colonial possessions.
destinations: India, Canada, South Africa and Australia. France beckons Germany to help her against Britain who she blames for her colonial upsets, and Italy stretches out a helping hand. Spain is mourning the recent loss of Cuba and the Philippines, her last important colonial possessions.
7) The history of pictorial maps from 1914 to 1945, exploring the influential work of MacDonald Gill with descriptions of the most striking examples.
Gill’s 1914 Wonderground Map of Central London managed to match fantasy with accuracy filling this very detailed map with poems, wordplays and satirical commentary on accent, class and social mobility, drawing its inspiration from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. The Wonderground Map was a milestone and resurgence of decorative map making that would be copied and developed in America more than a decade later: Along with the large poster size of the map, perhaps the most immediately striking feature is the brilliant but simple coloration of red, yellow, green and
blue, certain to attract immediate attention. The city is presented in the manner of a medieval walled town, the curved horizon recalling the medieval world map’s enclosing circle, all bounded by a decorative border in which coats of arms evoke a sense of stability and tradition.....
blue, certain to attract immediate attention. The city is presented in the manner of a medieval walled town, the curved horizon recalling the medieval world map’s enclosing circle, all bounded by a decorative border in which coats of arms evoke a sense of stability and tradition.....
8) The history of pictorial maps from 1945 to 1960's, exploring monumental & pictographic maps with description of the most striking examples
Matthias told me that this started out as a research work inspired by his own love of pictorial maps. His work on the project continues and you can get an immediate download of "Introduction to Pictorial Maps" by clicking on this LINK
You can also find Matthias on Facebook at:
20th Century Pictorial Tourist Maps
The Facebook shop offers mostly 20th century pictorial and pictographic (monumental) maps.
You can contact Matthias directly at:
Mayenscheinmatthias@gmail.com
As always if you found this article useful especially id you have only just discovered the fascinating world of pictorial maps please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. . . .
You can also find Matthias on Facebook at:
20th Century Pictorial Tourist Maps
The Facebook shop offers mostly 20th century pictorial and pictographic (monumental) maps.
You can contact Matthias directly at:
Mayenscheinmatthias@gmail.com
As always if you found this article useful especially id you have only just discovered the fascinating world of pictorial maps please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. . . .
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This very rare copy of A Map of South Carolina and a Part of Georgia published in 1780 by William Faden based on a 1757 version made by the cartographers William Gerard De Brahm and published by Thomas Jefferys has just been acquired by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Although other copies are known to exist, this example, which is in pristine condition with vibrant original colour, is the first known to have become available in several decades. The large-scale map (about 4½ feet tall by 4 feet wide) is a significantly revised version of the 1757 document by De Brahm, and when paired with this earlier version of the map (a copy already exists in the Colonial Williamsburg collection) the two maps tell a compelling story. Together they show a visual comparison about the extent to which the South Carolinians and Georgians settled the western frontiers of their colonies during the period between the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. This map is more than just scarce, or the full who, what ,when, why and how you can read the full story HERE
A Map of South Carolina and a part of Georgia…, published by William Faden (1750-1836) after William Gerard De Brahm (1718-ca. 1799) after Thomas Jeffreys (ca. 1710-1771), Great Britain, England, London, 1780, black and white line engraving with period hand color on laid paper, in two sheets: top sheet H: 28” x W: 48 ½”, bottom sheet H: 28” x W: 48 ½”, Museum Purchase, 2019-59, A&B Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
A Map of South Carolina and a part of Georgia…, published by William Faden (1750-1836) after William Gerard De Brahm (1718-ca. 1799) after Thomas Jeffreys (ca. 1710-1771), Great Britain, England, London, 1780, black and white line engraving with period hand color on laid paper, in two sheets: top sheet H: 28” x W: 48 ½”, bottom sheet H: 28” x W: 48 ½”, Museum Purchase, 2019-59, A&B Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
William Faden was an English cartographer and a publisher of maps. He was the royal geographer to King George III. He replaced Thomas Jefferys in that role. The title of "geographer to the king" was given to various people in the 18th century, including John Senex, Herman Moll, Emmanuel Bowen and Thomas Jeffreys. If you are a collector of William Faden maps, I'd love to hear from you, please leave a comment below . . . . .
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As mentioned before on the blog if you have just a hint of knowledge about the fascinating world of maps you'll appreciate that old maps exist in a vast variety of forms, let alone the many differences in shape, size, subject and appearance. So it's fair to ask what do collectors collect? Here’s a quick list of some of the most popular categories of collecting:
1. By area 2. By mapmaker 3. Of a particular period 4. Displaying particular features 5. By theme 6. Individual significance
7. Appearance alone 8. For investment
All the above have a special reason of interest for collectors as varied as the very collectors themselves. Here are two types of map that map enthusiasts love to collect.
1. By area 2. By mapmaker 3. Of a particular period 4. Displaying particular features 5. By theme 6. Individual significance
7. Appearance alone 8. For investment
All the above have a special reason of interest for collectors as varied as the very collectors themselves. Here are two types of map that map enthusiasts love to collect.
County Map of Dorsetshire by Ebden & Duncan c1833 County Map of Warwickshire by John Speed c1611
Just One Thing - By Area
This is one of the most popular geographic themes for collectors. It allows for a large amount of scope while keeping a limit on the size of a collection and control on cost or the level of investment.
You may decide to collect various antique maps of a specific area, like county maps. If you're based in the UK maybe english county maps are of interest to you. Some people collect maps by various mapmakers but only of a specific county. There will be other maps available about the area also, like road maps, town plans, river maps or some with other cartographic features of interest.
Collecting rare maps "By Area" is just one thing thats popular with map collectors. These kinds of maps are readily available in the current market. If these types of maps are something you already collect I'd love to hear why they interest you? Please join in the conversation and leave a comment below...
Just One Thing - By Area
This is one of the most popular geographic themes for collectors. It allows for a large amount of scope while keeping a limit on the size of a collection and control on cost or the level of investment.
You may decide to collect various antique maps of a specific area, like county maps. If you're based in the UK maybe english county maps are of interest to you. Some people collect maps by various mapmakers but only of a specific county. There will be other maps available about the area also, like road maps, town plans, river maps or some with other cartographic features of interest.
Collecting rare maps "By Area" is just one thing thats popular with map collectors. These kinds of maps are readily available in the current market. If these types of maps are something you already collect I'd love to hear why they interest you? Please join in the conversation and leave a comment below...
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The pleasure in collecting antique prints is enormous and every one tells its own story. The range of subjects covered is almost endless. Just about everything that people have ever done is reflected in the print. The variety of prints produced means there is just about something for everyone and many antique prints are still enjoyed today proudly on display in the collectors home.
So what about prices? Just like with map collecting there are a range of factors that together determine and influence prices. You have dealers, auctions, serious collectors, casual collectors, institutions and people who buy prints simply as decorative items. Nowadays you often get interior designers picking up prints in auction for some specific home refurbishment project or looking to add that touch of the ‘unique’ to their interior design theme. All these factors create fluctuation in the overall market and differing prices.
Here’s a look at some recent sale prices of antique prints from just a handful of popular subjects. Most are stocked by regular print dealers and as with anything, the more scarce an item the more likely you are to pay a premium price.
So what about prices? Just like with map collecting there are a range of factors that together determine and influence prices. You have dealers, auctions, serious collectors, casual collectors, institutions and people who buy prints simply as decorative items. Nowadays you often get interior designers picking up prints in auction for some specific home refurbishment project or looking to add that touch of the ‘unique’ to their interior design theme. All these factors create fluctuation in the overall market and differing prices.
Here’s a look at some recent sale prices of antique prints from just a handful of popular subjects. Most are stocked by regular print dealers and as with anything, the more scarce an item the more likely you are to pay a premium price.
Ackermann R. (publisher). A collection of approximately 210 engravings, originally published in the ‘Microcosm of London’, [1808 - 1810], aquatints by Stadler, Sunderland, Bluck and Hill, all with contemporary hand colouring, numerous duplicates, each approximately 250 x 300 mm. SOLD: £580
If Rodolph Ackermann prints from the 'Microcosm of London' are of interest you can find more on this website HERE
If Rodolph Ackermann prints from the 'Microcosm of London' are of interest you can find more on this website HERE
Audubon (John James). The Birds of America, 1827 - 1838, 3 volumes (only), Johnson Reprint Corporation [and] Theatrum Orbis Terrarum Ltd., New York & Amsterdam, 1972, three volumes broken and partially disbound but retaining 130 (of 435) colour photolithographic plates, occasional creasing to margins, elephant folio. Sold as a collection of plates, not subject to return. (3) SOLD: £620
Berwick-uon-Tweed. Buck (Samuel & Nathaniel), The South Prospect of Berwick upon Tweed 1745, [but 1775 edition published by R. Sayer], uncoloured engraved panoramic prospect, 320 x 820mm (1) SOLD: £660
Rawstorne, Lawrence, Gamonia: or, The Art of Preserving Game; and an Improved Method of Making Plantations and Covers, explained and Illustrated, with fifteen coloured drawings by J.T.Rawlins, taken on the spot, 1st edition, published for the proprietor, by Rudolph Ackermann, Eclipse Sporting Gallery, 1837,15 fine hand-coloured aquatint plates (as listed), half-title present, several gathers slightly protruding, errata slip bound in at rear, all edges gilt, original publisher’s gilt-decorated green full morocco, rubbed to joints and edges, spine somewhat darkened, 8vo Abbey Life, 392; Tooley 393 (the original publisher’s binding as described).(1) SOLD: £400
Vanity Fair Cricketers. A collection of 30 caricatures originally published in ‘Vanity Fair, late 19th & early 20th century,lithographic and photolithographic cartoons after ‘Spy’, ‘WH’, ‘Lib’,Stuff’and others, including a duplicate of ‘Repton, Oxford & Somerset’ (both dust soiled and scuffed), occasional marginal spotting, each approximately 340 x 210mm The collection includes Dillon, Hobbs (both states), W. G. Grace, Lord Hawke, Bonner and Spofforth, all in very good condition.(30) SOLD £1500.00
You can find a selection of Vanity Fair prints on this website HERE.
You can find a selection of Vanity Fair prints on this website HERE.
Caricatures. A mixed collection of twenty-five cartoons & caricatures, 18th & 19th century, etched, engraved and lithographic caricatures, including examples by Doyle, Rowlandson(including Dr. Syntax and The English Dance of Death). Phillips, Darley, Cruikshank, Brookes, Tregear, after Gillray [and] Fores(publisher), various sizes and condition, all mounted (25) SOLD: £320.00
The prices achieved for these prints at auction are closer to what is known as a 'dealer' price. All would cost you more if you were buying retail from a reputable antique print dealer. If you have an interesting print buying experience please tell us about it by leaving a comment below.....
Thanks as always to Dominic Winter Auctions for print images and auction results. More HERE.
Thanks as always to Dominic Winter Auctions for print images and auction results. More HERE.
