On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) and scarce antique map 'Denbighshire'. Offered with hand colouring.
A very decorative 17th century map of the County. The inset plan of Denbigh, probably surveyed by Speed himself, is the earliest known of this city. On the reverse of the map there is a complete set of text in English briefly describing the history and topography of the county.
DATE PRINTED: First published and engraved in 1610. This particular example has the imprint 'Performed by John Speed and are to be solde by Tho. Bassett in Fleet Street and Richard Chiswell in St Paul's Churchyard...' which was issued in 1676.
SIZE: The printed area including titles is approximately 51.5 x 38.5 cm, 20.25 x 15 inches (large) plus good margins and a centre fold as issued.
ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Drawn by John Speed. John Speed (1551 or 1552 – 28 July 1629) was an English cartographer and historian. He is, alongside Christopher Saxton, one of the best known English mapmakers of the early modern period.
PROVENANCE: A very decorative 17th century map of Denbighshire which was produced by John Speed and published in his Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine (London: Bassett & Chiswell).
TYPE: Antique copper plate engraving printed on paper.
VERSO: There is English text printed on the reverse side describing the county.
CONDITION: Excellent. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated. A very nice example of a rare, attractive and sought after map.
AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique.
RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: When published in 1611/12, his atlas was an immediate success, outdoing the one established by Christoper Saxton in 1579. There were a number reasons for this: Speed's atlas showed each county separately with its hundreds, was resplendent with heraldic shields but most significantly had one or two town plans. Displayed from a bird's eye view perspective, many of the towns were surveyed by Speed himself using a distinct 'scale of paces' and are the earliest known plans of these places. The aesthetic beauty of the maps were also down to the Dutch engraver, Jodocus Hondius, whose fine calligraphy and decorative strapwork are a feature throughout. Speed's legacy was to live on long after his passing, the Theatre itself was published in many editions until 1676. The maps were then re-published in the early 18th Century by John & Henry Overton and then finally in the 1780s by Dicey & co. giving them a life of 170 years.
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