John Tallis Victoria, or Port Phillip map c1851. Fine hand-colour.

by John Tallis & Company

Lovely antique map of Victoria, drawn and engraved by John Rapkin c1851, with contemporary pen-outlining of the state, counties and coastline, and pale blue coastline wash. The small engraved vignettes of Melbourne; River Glenelg, Victoria; Kangaroos and Natives were drawn by A. Warren and engraved by J. Rogers. 

The finest antique maps of Australia are the Tallis antique maps of the Australian states in the 1850s. Tallis and Company established a fine reputation as publishers of high quality books and grand atlases. The distinctive Tallis style incorporates vignettes of important subjects relative to the region of the map, surrounded by a finely engraved border and title. As principal engraver of maps and prints for Tallis, John Rapkin’s ability and finesse was greatly responsible for Tallis Company’s reputation for accuracy and finesse. Illustrations decorating the maps, portraits and views, were drawn and then engraved by skilled craftsmen - in reverse from mirror images. Engraving and hand-colouring of illustrations was expensive. In 1865 Tallis was among the last of the publishers of beautifully decorated maps and prints.

This map has lovely additional colour (since the time of publication), and wide margins. With central vertical fold for a publication half the size of the map, the (double) page measures 277 x 363mm (10 7/8 x 14 1/4 inches). This map has a repaired split at the centre base and is missing corners of the page, but these do not show when (half-framed with conservation materials), mounted between 'antique white' ragmat conservation boards and covered with cellophane for protection.