Framed County Cartography
Framed county cartography brings historical maps of local shires into domestic spaces, offering a direct view into past geography.
Framed County Cartography
Framed county cartography comprises engraved and printed maps detailing British shires, regions, and coaching routes. These pieces originate primarily from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, with occasional nineteenth-century examples appearing.
The selection centres on framed wall art and antique maps produced by notable cartographers. Buyers encounter county boundaries rendered in copperplate engraving, often accompanied by decorative cartouches and heraldic coats of arms.
How they were made
Makers printed these maps from hand-carved copper plates onto laid or woven paper using traditional printing presses. Many examples received hand-colouring in watercolour or ink applied after printing to enhance boundaries and decorative elements.
Framing utilises period materials such as oak, wood, and gilt wood, paired with protective glass to shield the fragile paper from environmental damage and handling.
Listings feature paper maps housed in wood, oak, and gilt wood frames under glass, spanning the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the crispness of the original copperplate impression and the precision of any contemporary hand-colouring. Early printings from well-maintained plates yield sharper geographical lines than later impressions.
The preservation of the paper sheet and the integration of suitable period framing materials also differentiate examples across the range.
Blaeu·John Speed·Robert Morden·Emanuel Bowen·John Cary
The Framed County Cartography Glossary
- Cartouche
- An ornamental frame enclosing the map title, scale, or dedication. These decorative devices often reflect the artistic style of the period.
- Atlas engraving
- A map printed specifically for inclusion in a bound collection of geographical charts. These sheets often retain central folds from their original publication format.
- Coaching map
- A specialised road map detailing travel routes and distances between towns. These pieces focus on thoroughfares rather than administrative boundaries.
- Laid paper
- Handmade paper showing visible parallel chain lines when held to the light. This substrate is characteristic of early printing.
Framed County Cartography: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hang a framed map?
Hang these pieces away from direct sunlight to prevent the fading of ink and watercolour pigments on the paper. Use sturdy wall fixings suited to the weight of the wood and glass frame.
Ensure the hanging height places the map at eye level for comfortable viewing of the fine topographical detail.
What is a county map?
A county map is a printed representation of a specific British administrative shire, highlighting towns, roads, and regional landmarks. These documents served as both practical reference tools and decorative household items.
Cartographers often decorated the margins with local heraldry, historical vignettes, and portraits of nobility.
How are map periods dated?
Dating relies on the cartographer's working dates, changes in geographical nomenclature, and published atlas editions. Engravers often included publication dates or dedication text within the cartouche.
Paper characteristics and watermark analysis provide additional clues for establishing the era of the physical sheet.
Are these maps hand coloured?
Many historical maps feature hand-applied watercolour or ink added after the initial black-and-white printing. This practice varied from contemporary workshop colouring to later embellishments.
Examination under magnification helps determine whether the pigment sits naturally on the paper surface alongside the printed lines.