PAIR. J&F Tallis Eastern and Western Hemispheres, half-framed. c1850

by Tallis, J. & F.

Stunning Pair. First Edition Tallis Hemispheres antique maps c1850, beautifully mounted in carved conservation double matts and thick backboard - requiring only choice of frame and glass. J. and F. Tallis Eastern Hemisphere and J. and F. Western Hemisphere c1850. This and next item sold together - so do not pay for both! Hemispheres shown separately for better detail. Contemporary pen outlining of countries and states and pale wash along coastlines, with fine additional later colour to the wonderful decorative borders definitely adds to the value of this pair of first edition Tallis antique maps.

These maps are superior, with Tallis distinctive style of presentation - a simple “cartouche” frame for the title, and a finely engraved artistic border with frames of vines, foliage and swirling lines enclosing small “vignettes” of important views, people, flora and fauna from the region of the map. The most decorative of all Tallis maps are undoubtedly this pair of Eastern Hemisphere and Western Hemisphere. Each map within a circle is surrounded by a wide border incorporating wildlife and regional people in their native costumes viewed through windows of elegant twining foliage.

In 1842 John Tallis and his brother Frederick established the J. & F. Tallis publishing company in London. The business moved to Smithfield in 1846 but closed in 1849. Frederick left the company in 1851, and from 1851 to 1854 maps were published under the name John Tallis & Company. As principal engraver of maps for Tallis, John Rapkin’s ability and finesse was greatly responsible for the Company’s reputation for accurate information and visually attractive maps. As with all steel engravings, they were first drawn and then skilfully engraved - in reverse from a mirror image. Such illustrations were slow and expensive to produce. In 1865 Tallis was one of the last publishers of decoratively embellished maps.

It is extremely rare to have a pair coloured so well, and these maps are in remarkably good condition as engraving across top and base are often cropped. Central vertical folds accommodated smaller publication. Faint soiling down the crease and slight age discolouration around page edges as usual. Unusually good margin all round - except for close cropped publisher name at the base of Eastern Hemisphere. Maps measure 267 x 362mm (10 1/2 x 14 1/4 inches).