Tallis antique map of British Guayana (British Guiana) c1851.

by John Tallis & Company

British Guiana decorative antique map by John Tallis & Company c1851, with finely engraved border, and vignette engravings of Georgetown, Ataraipu or the Devil's Rock, New Amsterdam, and Christmas Cataract, River Berbice. The pale blue wash along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean and the coloured pen outlining of the regions are contemporary (as published).

A finely detailed decorative antique map drawn and engraved by J. Rapkin, with illustrations drawn and engraved by Henry Winkles for John Tallis & Company, London & New York. Tallis maps are distinctive for their finely engraved borders and small 'vignette' views depicting notable features within the region shown.

John Tallis was the driving force behind Tallis and Company publications, but John Rapkin was greatly responsible for the company's high reputation for publishing accurate, finely engraved maps. Tallis maps were among the last decorative maps published, as this extra labour-intensive skilled work added considerably to the time and cost of production.

This antique map is in fine condition, although it is missing its title at the bse of the map and the top is cropped close to the cartouche. It has a horizontal centre fold to enable inclusion in a publication half the size of the map. Page size is 355 x 270mm (approximately 14 x 10 5/8 inches)