| Method | Steel engraved with hand colour |
| Artist | [Anonymous] |
| Published | London Published by J. Reynolds, 174 Strand. [c. 1834] |
| Dimensions | 1245 x 285 mm |
| Notes |
An early printing of one of the finest and most sought after maps of the entire Thames river system from Cirencester to Sheerness, with aerial views of the towns and cities along its route, beautifully ornamented in hand colour. Printed before the introduction of the railways. The map was first published as an accompaniment to Tombleson's Picturesque Views on the Thames and Medway, a collection of engravings by Henry Winkles after original studies by William Tombleson. The views were supplemented by a textual commentary by Tombleson. The map's popularity meant that it was in almost constant circulation from the 1830s until the early twentieth century, appearing in many different editions, and being constantly updated to show the growth and development of the Thames valley, the addition of the railways, the opening up of the canal system, and the rapid expansion of the cities of London and Oxford during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Most examples were originally published as folding pocket books, backed on linen and hand coloured. By the twentieth century, the original steel-engraved plates were replaced by new lithographic techniques that allowed later impressions of the map to be printed in colour. Condition: Printed over two sheets, and joined at centre, as issued. Horizontal folds, as issued. Some creasing and wear to folds. Blank on verso. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £1,750.00 |
| Stock ID | 53089 |