Tallis Victoria or Port Phillip with Gold regions. Contemporary colour c1854.

by London Printing & Publishing Company

Tallis map of Victoria or Port Phillip with the gold diggings coloured yellow, as published, with county, state, and coastline pen-outlined, pale blue wash along the coast, and engraved vignettes of Melbourne; River Glenelg, Victoria; Kangaroos, and Natives. The London Printing & Publishing Company c1854. This map clearly shows the goldfields of the previous few years that caused such an increase in population.

Fine antique map of Victoria, drawn and engraved by John Rapkin, with the Illustrations by A. Warren engraved by J. Rogers, for Tallis and Company. In 1853 the partnership of John Tallis and Ephraim Tipton Brain formed The London Printing and Publishing Company. John Tallis was the driving force behind the Tallis publishing company, but John Rapkin was largely responsible for Tallis's reputation as publishers of accurate and decorative maps. Tallis maps are easily recognized by their steel engraved vignettes of important subjects in the region, and elegantly drawn and engraved decorative borders. The maps were finely decorated by specialist map illustrators who drew the illustrations, and then engraved a steel plate, in reverse from a mirror image. The fine engraving required skill and time. Unfortunately it was also expensive. In 1865 Tallis was among the last of the publishers of beautifully decorated maps and prints.

This map is in fine condition, as published, with uncommonly wide margins all round. The map has a central vertical fold, as issued for a publication half its size. Size: 278 x 379mm (11 x 15 inches).