Tallis decorative map, New South Wales & Queensland (c1853)

by John Tallis & Company

New South Wales to Hervey Bay, QLD. Heritage Editions Tallis map. NSW in mid-19th century.

Reproduction from a hand-coloured steel-engraved map drawn and engraved by John Rapkin; with finely-engraved border & vignettes by H. Warren engraved by J. Rogers, of Sydney Cove, Pandanus, Murray River, and Xanthorrhea (Black Boy or Grass Tree). This is certainly the most decorative map of New South Wales ever printed - from the original published by John Tallis & Company c.1851.

As principal engraver, John Rapkin’s ability was greatly responsible for the Company’s reputation as publishers of accurate, visually attractive maps. Illustrations decorating the maps were drawn, then engraved by skilled craftsmen in reverse from a mirror. Tallis flourished as map-makers between 1835 and 1860 but were among the last to publish decorative maps as the skilled embellishment was slow and uneconomical.

Page size: 395 x 298mm (15 5/8 x 11 3/4 inches). Map size: 350 x 255 mm (13 7/8 x 10 inches)