Catalog Archive
Auction 153, Lot 232

A Map Designed for Hollywood Movie Studios

"International California",

Subject: California

Period: 1936 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.7 x 22.7 inches
52.6 x 57.7 cm
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This unique map was designed by Aylmer Harding on behalf of the Motion Picture Companies of Hollywood. The map shows the state of California overlaid with "Typical World-Famous Beauty Spots, Found in 40 Countries," which was intended to assist movie studios with "Location Charts [that] can be made in the Studios and adapted to the needs of the various Scenario Writers and Directors." Some of these "beauty spots" include the French Riviera (San Luis Obispo), Ethiopian Desert (Death Valley) and The Falls of Brazil (Yosemite). Surrounding the map are 9 views including a very large "Birdseye View of the Golden Gate Exposition to Be Held in the Year 1939." No records of this map have been located in auction results, dealer listings or institutional holdings.

References:

Condition: B

Even light toning with a few small stains in the image and a small edge tear at bottom that just passes the neatline closed on verso with archival material. Hand colored with pencil. The map is folding, but it does not appear to have been issued that way.

Estimate: $300 - $400

Sold for: $750

Closed on 5/20/2015

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