This copy is copyright protected.
Copyright © 2024 Geographicus Rare Antique Maps
This item has been sold, but you can get on the Waitlist to be notified if another example becomes available, or purchase a digital scan.
1884 Bacon Map of Central London (on silk)
LondonCentral-bacon-1884$300.00
Title
Bacon's New Map of Central London, Divided into Half Miles Squares & Circles.
1884 (undated) 20 x 30 in (50.8 x 76.2 cm)
1884 (undated) 20 x 30 in (50.8 x 76.2 cm)
Description
An unusual c. 1884 map of central London by G. W. Bacon. Centered on the Thames River and depicting all parks, streets, and roads, this attractive plan covers from Islington to Stepney and from Kennington to Kensington. Major thoroughfares are highlighted in yellow. This map has the unusual feature of being printed on silk (or possibly fine linen) which has been subsequently waxed and, as the publisher brags, 'weather-proofed.' Though uncommon in the 19th century, this convention of printing maps on silk became popular during World War I and II when they were issued to soldiers to be used as 'escape maps.' The present example was printed around 1884 by G. W. Bacon from his office at 127 Strand Street, London.
Cartographer
George Washington Bacon (1830 - 1922) was a London based book and map publisher active in the mid to late 19th century. Bacon's firm G.W. Bacon and Co. purchased the plates created by Edward Weller for the Weekly Dispatch Atlas then modified and updated them for several of their own important atlases, including The New Ordnance Atlas of the British Isles. In 1893, Bacon & Co. acquired the map publishing business of J. Wyld. Then, around the turn of the century, Bacon & Co. itself was folded into the Scottish publishing house of W.& A.K. Johnston. More by this mapmaker...
Condition
Very good. Comes with original slipcase. Printed on waxed silk.
References
Hyde, R., Printed Maps of Victorian London 1851 - 1900, No. 201.