Maps

With the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP26) on the horizon, rare books specialist Peter Harrington is using Frieze Masters to launch an ambitious new collection of books and original manuscripts charting the history of climate change and environmentalism.

The organisers of the Bamberger Kunst-und Antiquitätenwochen (art and antiques weeks), which run until August 22, thought long and hard about whether to hold this year’s event in light of the pandemic.

A rare Georgian print on a sporting theme was offered by Northumberland auction house.

A copy of Ratzer’s 'Plan of the City of New York…' offered as part of a Doyle (26/21/15% buyer’s premium) sale in the spring left much to be desired.

An Americana sale held by Swann (25/20/12% buyer’s premium) was led at $55,000 (£39,855) by an 1830, Palmyra first of 'The Book of Mormon'.

Captain EF Hunter’s 'Map of Arabia and The Persian Gulf' was one of the lots fetching sums considerably in advance of what looked to be quite modest estimates in an Oxford book sale.

A selection of upcoming books, maps and prints at auctions around the UK and overseas.

A brief history of maps designed to communicate ideas over geographical accuracy

One of the pleasures of Daniel Crouch’s work life has been buying trips to the Continent – for the serendipity of making contacts as well as the chance to handle the goods.

Armada maps stay in UK after ATG story inspires campaign

This pair of early 19th century George III period terrestrial and celestial globes in mahogany stands are by Dudley Adams, (1762-1830) a member of the well-known Adams family of globemakers.

The atlas 'Ay majmu’ kharitat rasm al-ard…,' published by the Church Missionary Society Press in Valetta, is today considered the earliest obtainable atlas printed in Arabic.

An English translation of a Dutch 16th century sea atlas was among the standout sales at the recent online edition of Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair.

Massimo De Martini started trading as Altea Maps in 1992 and now runs the business from his Mayfair premises. He is also co-organiser of the London Map Fair.

A public campaign to keep rare maps of the Spanish Armada in the country will be needed to raise the required £600,000.

London Underground maps come up relatively regularly at auction – and typically it is the various 1930s states of the classic Harry Beck design that command the really high prices.

The first version of this map of London was issued by the Southern Railway in 1938. It was designed by Kerry Lee (1902-88) who brought it up to date for British Railways in the 1950s.