Bring a piece of antique cartographic history into your home with this original antique map of South West England, beautifully mounted and framed. This authentic map dates from the early 1900s and features the counties of Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire, and surrounding areas. Most notably, it includes Lyme Bay, Exeter, Sidmouth, and a wealth of finely detailed towns, rivers, and roads.
Professionally mounted behind glass in a classic dark, blackened wooden frame with a gold inner trim, the map is a highly decorative piece ideal for study walls, hallways, home libraries, or gifts for lovers of geography and history.
On the back, lightly penciled is the note: “Exeter– Original Print 1898” — if accurate - and there is no reason to believe it isn't - then this lovely print goes back to Victorian times.
The detail, typography, and use of fathoms in coastal waters are hallmarks of turn-of-the-century cartography, produced during a time of great British geographical scholarship and pride.
Produced by John Bartholomew & Co., this map was originally part of an atlas or folding wall series and offers a snapshot of southern England as it was over 100 years ago — prior to modern motorways, with rail lines and historic market towns still the focal points of travel.
This rare, original print is not a reproduction. It’s a timeless gift for collectors, Anglophiles, map lovers, or anyone with a connection to the West Country.
For an antique map it is in excellent condition. The mount has a few marks and the frame shows signs of wear - missing some gesso in places. But overall this is an exquisite original antique map and frame. Vintage patina and colouring, but overall excellent. Original wooden backing too.
Size : frame 56cm x 44cm approx, print 41cm x 33.5cm approx
