Fine Tallis map of Western Australia, Swan River, c1853

by John Tallis & Company

Tallis antique map of Western Australia, Swan River colony, c1853 with contemporary colouring (from time of publication). The outlining of the named counties, the vignettes and finely engraved floral border and cartouche (title piece), all add to the appeal of this lovely map. This map is embellished by small engravings of a scene between Perth and Fremantle, Sheep Shearing, Aborigines, Perth from Mount Eliza, droving, a shipping scene, and the seal of Perth featuring the black swan.

Original antique map engraved on steel by John Rapkin, with decorative title, finely engraved floral border, and vignettes, drawn by A.H. Wray and engraved by W. Lacey circa 1853 by John Tallis and Company, London & New York. From 1850 to 1856 the engraver of all maps for Tallis, John Rapkin, was greatly responsible for the fine reputation acquired by John Tallis and Company as publishers of accurate maps with finely-engraved borders and vignettes of subjects relating to the region.

This map has the usual slight soiling along the central fold, which accommodated printing in a publication half the size of the map. There is conservation reinforcing of both ends of the central fold and the paper is slightly bent at the paper edge above the cartouche (title piece). Otherwise it is in fine condition with wide margins. Paper size is 360 x 280mm (14.1/8 x 11 inches).