Catalog Archive
Auction 179, Lot 480

"[Map in 2 Volumes] Tallis's Illustrated Plan of London and Its Environs, in Commemoration of the Great Exhibition of Industry of All Nations, 1851 [with] [2 Volumes] Tallis's Illustrated London...", Tallis, John

Subject: London, England

Period: 1851 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
28.8 x 21 inches
73.2 x 53.3 cm
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This attractive map of London and vicinity was issued in conjunction with the city hosting the World's Fair or "Great Exhibition of Industry of All Nations." The detailed map covers the region from Highbury south to Brixton and from Shepherds Bush east to Greenwich. It is color-coded to show the boundaries of the various boroughs as well as major roads and parks. The map is further decorated by a series of 49 vignettes featuring important buildings and monuments including the Crystal Palace.

The map folds into a custom bound two volume set of Tallis' Illustrated London that was originally published without the map and was added shortly after publication (the binding was by Tout, a 19th century English binder). The text is filled with plates of illustrations including a frontispiece of Buckingham Palace. Other plates include St. Paul's Cathedral, National Gallery, Westminster Abbey, Royal Exchange, East India House, and many more. Two volumes (320 pages, 304 pages), 12mo. Hardbound in three-quarter leather over marbled boards with raised bands and gilt decorations on spine. All edges gilt.

References:

Condition:

The folding map has been backed with old linen to repair a 9" tear in the top left corner of the sheet. There are two small fold separations at top that have been closed with archival tissue on verso and there is some surface soiling. Text has light toning and plates have scattered foxing. A former owner's bookplate is on the front pastedown. Bindings are superb. Map (B), Plates (B+), Binding (A)

Estimate: $500 - $650

Sold for: $800

Closed on 9/16/2020

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