When it comes to maps, whether it be your local Ordnance Survey sheet from decades past to a more comprehensive J. & F. Tallis World Atlas from 1851, you’d be forgiven for simply viewing the contents as a geographical guide. However, in my opinion it is far greater fun to look upon them as windows into our collective past, revealing their tales of human history, exploration, discovery and our understanding of the world and landscapes that surround us.
The technical term when talking about maps is “Cartography”, essentially the study and practice of making and using maps. It is a wonderful combination of art and science, with maps appealing to collectors for a multitude of reasons – including their artistic qualities and styles, their historical significance, down to their more general cartographic details. Maps can be found framed, folded, rolled and have been printed on a variety of papers and other materials. As for size, I’ve come across 17th century miniature maps of London measuring no more than a few inches, through to impressive maritime navigational charts from the 18th century measuring well over a metre in width.
Cartography is a wide-ranging subject, as such I would advise any prospective collector to consider what it is about maps they find most interesting, and to focus their early efforts around that theme. It could be the differing printing techniques used, from early 16th century woodblocks to the sharper lithographic processes of the 19th century. Alternatively, the technical aspects of identifying and interpreting a maps contents could pique your interest, with cartouches, legends, keys, plate marks, etc. Keep in mind collecting is a very personal undertaking. As collectables go, maps are often a good starting point for seeing the bigger picture, as Tolkien once said: “I wisely started with a map, and made the story fit.”
