The World on Mercator's Projection. Tallis First Edition c1850

by Tallis, J. & F.

19thC World Map, Steam Route to the Colonies c1850.

J & F Tallis first edition world map with contemporary red outlining of the British Colonies, and blue delineation of steamship routes around the world in the mid 19th century. Map drawn and engraved on steel by John Rapkin, illustrations by H. Warren, engraved by J. B. Allen, and publication by J. and F. Tallis of London & New York.

John Rapkin's skilful engraving and attention to detail was no doubt responsible for the high regard in which Tallis maps were held. This flat projection of the world has also been embellished in the traditional Tallis style, with a finely engraved decorative border and cartouche (title piece) and small vignettes (views) of important cities or noteworthy geography and locations. This finely engraved world map is in its original state - as published.

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 was greatly responsible for the Tallis Company’s reputation for the accuracy of each engraved map. Tallis also employed map illustrators and engravers for the distinctive style of embellishment. 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 1853 John Tallis formed the London Printing and Publishing Company in partnership with Ephraim Tipton Brain. In 1865 Tallis was one of the last publishers of decoratively embellished maps.

Page size is 270 x 352mm (10 5/8 x 13 5/8 inches) with central fold to accommodate the size of the publication, and with very narrow border at left and right vertical sides (also cropped for publication).