Tallis Australia antique map. Sydney, Aborigines, Parrots, Kangaroos.. c1851.

by John Tallis & Company

Antique map of Australia by John Tallis & Company, c1851. Contemporary country, state and county outlining, and later colour of engraved border and vignettes of Natives of the Bogan Tribe, Sydney, Kangaroos, Natives of Australia Felix, Australian Parrots and Cockatoo.

Tallis maps were the most decorative maps ever done of Australia and its states.  In this finely engraved map Western Australia has 26 counties, Victoria has 24 counties, New South Wales has 46 counties, South Australia has early borders. The map was drawn and engraved by J. Rapkin. Illustrations by J. Marchant were engraved by J.B. Allen. Published in London c1851 by John Tallis & Company, London & New York.

The western border of South Australia was not extended until 1860, and the large Lake Eyre must have been recorded in the rainy season! Queensland was not separated from New South Wales until 1859. Northern Territory settlement remained a colony of New South Wales until annexed by South Australia in1863, finally attaining independence in 1911. Port Phillip was renamed Victoria and Van Diemen's Land was renamed Tasmania during the year Tallis & Co. published this map.

The distinctive Tallis style incorporates delicately engraved 'cartouche' title-pieces, borders and 'vignette' scenes relative to the subject or region depicted. Maps include important views, flora, fauna and people. As principal map engraver for Tallis & Company, John Rapkin was greatly responsible for the Company’s reputation as publishers of accurate and attractive maps. Maps were embellished by skilled map illustrators. The fine engravings and borders were first drawn and then engraved in reverse from a mirror image. Engraving illustrations was slow and costly. In 1865 Tallis was among the last of the publishers of decorative maps and prints.

This map is in good condition with wide margins, and a central vertical fold which accommodated publication in a volume half the size of the map. Map page size is 350 x 270 mm (14 x 10 5/8 inches). Actual map is not the one pictured. Please ask for further pics if required.