ISTHMUS OF PANAMA
A highly decorative map showing the Isthmus of Panama issued by John Tallis, probably one of the best known mapmakers and publishers of the 19th Century. The maps were published circa 1850 and are considered the last series of decorative maps of the world. Contained within an elaborate border, the maps are generally decorated with vignettes and scenes depicting particular views and local inhabitants. The present map of "Isthmus of Panama" has a number of vignette views including the Fort at Chagres. The map was drawn and engraved by John Rapkin.
Measures approx. 240 x 320 mm. Good condition, see photo.
Original outline hand colour.
A guaranteed genuine antique map.
JOHN TALLIS
John Tallis (7 November 1817 – 3 June 1876) was an English cartographic publisher. His company, John Tallis & Company, published views, maps and atlases in London from roughly 1838 to 1851.
Tallis set up as a publisher with Frederick Tallis in Cripplegate in 1842; the business moved to Smithfield in 1846 and was dissolved in 1849. From 1851 to 1854 Tallis operated as John Tallis & Company. He started the Illustrated News of the World which issued engraved portraits as supplements in a series entitled ‘National Portrait Gallery of eminent personages' in 1858, selling it for £1,370 in 1861; it folded in 1863. The series was subsequently republished in a number of separate volumes.
He lived in New Cross, Southeast London. His house on New Cross Road is listed as a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, grade II. It has a blue plaque on the wall to signal the event.
JOHN RAPKIN
John Rapkin (fl. 1835-65) A nineteenth century map maker and engraver, best
known for his work on the ‘Illustrated Atlas of the World’ 1849-53 for John Tallis and Co. noted for their beautifully decorative borders, vignettes and title displays as well as cartographic content. It was later re-issued by the London Printing and Publishing Company. He also drew and engraved maps for R. Montgomery Martin's 'British Colonies, their history' (1849), and Wright's 'Universal Pronouncing Dictionary' (c.1850).