Decorative map. Victoria, or Port Phillip. Tallis antique map c1851

by John Tallis & Company

Very pretty finely engraved antique map of Port Phillip  or Victoria circa 1851.

This would have to be the most decorative map of Victoria ever published. With intricately-engraved border and vignettes, it was published for Tallis's General Atlas circa 1851-3.  Tallis maps were adorned by borders and vignettes of important cities, native flora, fauna and people.

The publishing firm of Tallis flourished from 1835 to 1860, and were renowned for their beautiful steel-engraved maps and prints. Tallis maps were among the last decorative maps published, as this extra labour-intensive skilled work added to the cost of production.  The regions within the map were outlined at the time of publication. The map has been hand-tinted with watercolour at a later date, which certainly adds to its decorative appeal.

Map size: 28 x 36 cm (14 x 11 inches), with central vertical fold, as issued.