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different sizes and framing below
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FREE delivery in 2 to 3 days
Free delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery, worldwide.
Father's Day orders: Please use Next Day delivery at checkout. Free delivery is unlikely to arrive on time.
We make maps by hand locally in 23 countries. If you're buying a gift for someone in another country, we will make the map locally to them.
You will never pay import tax or customs duty.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1-2 days.
Please note that personalised maps, and larger framed maps, can take longer to produce and deliver.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, contact me and we can discuss your options.
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Certified sustainable +
we plant trees🌳
Sustainability & Tree Planting
Here at The Unique Maps Co., we have an unusually high affinity for paper. After all, without paper, there can be no maps!
That's why all of our paper, frames and packaging are from FSC certified sources.
But we don't stop there. We've partnered with Treeapp to plant trees around the world.
If you spend £50 or more, we'll plant a tree in your name.
We also cover the costs of offsetting the carbon emissions on all deliveries.
- Framing & free personalisation available
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90 day money back guarantee
90 days to return and refund
Products can be returned within 90 days for a full refund, or exchange for another product.
For personalised or custom made items, we may offer you a non-expiring gift card, as we cannot resell personalised orders.
If you have any questions, get in touch. For more information, see our full returns & exchanges policy.
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My maps are rare, museum-grade, restored old maps sourced from libraries, auction houses and private collections across the globe.
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Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of South African history with “Cape Colony,” the original 1851 masterpiece by the renowned cartographer John Tallis. Bearing its historic title, this map captures the Cape Colony at a pivotal moment in the 19th century, offering a window into the colonial ambitions and geographical understanding of the British Empire. The map’s vibrant color palette and meticulous detail reflect Tallis’s signature style, while its inclusion in R. Montgomery Martin’s esteemed Illustrated Atlas underscores its importance as both a work of art and a document of record.
John Tallis, celebrated as one of the last great decorative mapmakers, imbued his creations with both scientific precision and artistic flourish. His maps are prized for their elegant borders and evocative vignettes, and “Cape Colony” is no exception. Here, Tallis’s artistry shines through in the beautifully rendered illustrations of Cape Town, Graham Town, and the Entrance to the Knysna—each scene a glimpse into the landscapes and settlements that defined the region. These vignettes, carefully engraved and hand-colored, transform the map into a visual journey through the Cape’s storied past.
The map’s cartographic detail is equally compelling, tracing the rugged contours of Table Mountain, the expanse of the Great Karroo, and the winding courses of the Orange, Great Fish, and Great Kei Rivers. Coastal features such as Algoa Bay, False Bay, and the iconic Cape of Good Hope are clearly labeled, anchoring the viewer in a landscape shaped by both natural grandeur and human endeavor. The political boundaries and physical geography are rendered with clarity, reflecting the era’s most advanced knowledge and the colonial priorities of the time.
A closer examination reveals a constellation of towns and settlements that have since become integral to South Africa’s modern identity. From the bustling port of Cape Town to the inland towns of Stellenbosch, Worcester, and Graaff Reinet, the map charts the growth of communities that would shape the region’s economic and cultural life. Each settlement is meticulously placed, a testament to Tallis’s commitment to accuracy and his appreciation for the human stories embedded in the land.
Beyond its immediate visual appeal, “Cape Colony” serves as a historical artifact of enduring significance. It captures a moment when the British Empire was expanding its reach, and when cartography was both a tool of exploration and a means of asserting control. Today, this map stands as a testament to the artistry of John Tallis and the enduring fascination of the landscapes and histories it so elegantly depicts—a rare opportunity to own a piece of South Africa’s colonial heritage, rendered with both beauty and authority.
Cities and towns on this map
- Cape Town
- Port Elizabeth
- Graham Town (Grahamstown, now Makhanda)
- Stellenbosch
- Worcester
- Uitenhage
- Somerset (Somerset East)
- Beaufort (Beaufort West)
- Swellendam
- George
- Colesberg
- Cradock
- Clanwilliam
- Graaff Reinet
- Riversdale
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Table Mountain (clearly depicted near Cape Town)
- Entrance to the Knysna (illustrated in a decorative vignette)
- Mountain ranges clearly labeled, including the Great Karroo region
- Rivers prominently labeled, such as the Orange River (Gariep River), Great Fish River, and Great Kei River
- Decorative border and artistic vignettes showcasing local landscapes and architecture
- Graham Town prominently illustrated in a decorative vignette
- Cape Town prominently illustrated in a decorative vignette
- Coastal features and bays, such as Algoa Bay, False Bay, and St. Helena Bay, clearly labeled
- Cape of Good Hope clearly marked and labeled
Historical and design context
- Created by John Tallis, published in 1851.
- Decorative vignettes depicting scenes such as the "Entrance to the Knysna," "Graham Town," and "Cape Town," providing visual context and cultural insights into the region at the time.
- Engraved for R. Montgomery Martin's Illustrated Atlas, a notable atlas of the period known for its decorative and informative maps.
- Depicts the Cape Colony region of present-day South Africa, including areas now part of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces.
- Shows political boundaries, physical geography, rivers, mountain ranges, and coastal features, reflecting both political and physical geography themes.
- Provides insight into colonial-era South Africa, illustrating British colonial interests, settlement patterns, and geographical knowledge of the region in the mid-19th century.
- John Tallis was renowned for his decorative and detailed maps, often including artistic vignettes and illustrations of local scenes, people, and landscapes.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
➢ Pick the closest size (above)
➢ Provide the exact size in millimetres
➢ Add to bag and checkout as normal
Click here to order a custom size.
Mensaje de regalo y acabado personalizado

Si deseas agregar un mensaje de regalo, o un acabado (rompecabezas, tablero de aluminio, etc.) que no esté disponible aquí, por favor solicítalo en la "nota del pedido" cuando realices la compra.
Cada pedido es hecho a medida, así que si necesitas que el tamaño se ajuste ligeramente, o que se imprima en un material inusual, háznoslo saber. Hemos realizado miles de pedidos personalizados a lo largo de los años, así que hay (casi) nada que no podamos gestionar.
También puedes contactarnos antes de hacer tu pedido, ¡si lo prefieres!
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of South African history with “Cape Colony,” the original 1851 masterpiece by the renowned cartographer John Tallis. Bearing its historic title, this map captures the Cape Colony at a pivotal moment in the 19th century, offering a window into the colonial ambitions and geographical understanding of the British Empire. The map’s vibrant color palette and meticulous detail reflect Tallis’s signature style, while its inclusion in R. Montgomery Martin’s esteemed Illustrated Atlas underscores its importance as both a work of art and a document of record.
John Tallis, celebrated as one of the last great decorative mapmakers, imbued his creations with both scientific precision and artistic flourish. His maps are prized for their elegant borders and evocative vignettes, and “Cape Colony” is no exception. Here, Tallis’s artistry shines through in the beautifully rendered illustrations of Cape Town, Graham Town, and the Entrance to the Knysna—each scene a glimpse into the landscapes and settlements that defined the region. These vignettes, carefully engraved and hand-colored, transform the map into a visual journey through the Cape’s storied past.
The map’s cartographic detail is equally compelling, tracing the rugged contours of Table Mountain, the expanse of the Great Karroo, and the winding courses of the Orange, Great Fish, and Great Kei Rivers. Coastal features such as Algoa Bay, False Bay, and the iconic Cape of Good Hope are clearly labeled, anchoring the viewer in a landscape shaped by both natural grandeur and human endeavor. The political boundaries and physical geography are rendered with clarity, reflecting the era’s most advanced knowledge and the colonial priorities of the time.
A closer examination reveals a constellation of towns and settlements that have since become integral to South Africa’s modern identity. From the bustling port of Cape Town to the inland towns of Stellenbosch, Worcester, and Graaff Reinet, the map charts the growth of communities that would shape the region’s economic and cultural life. Each settlement is meticulously placed, a testament to Tallis’s commitment to accuracy and his appreciation for the human stories embedded in the land.
Beyond its immediate visual appeal, “Cape Colony” serves as a historical artifact of enduring significance. It captures a moment when the British Empire was expanding its reach, and when cartography was both a tool of exploration and a means of asserting control. Today, this map stands as a testament to the artistry of John Tallis and the enduring fascination of the landscapes and histories it so elegantly depicts—a rare opportunity to own a piece of South Africa’s colonial heritage, rendered with both beauty and authority.
Cities and towns on this map
- Cape Town
- Port Elizabeth
- Graham Town (Grahamstown, now Makhanda)
- Stellenbosch
- Worcester
- Uitenhage
- Somerset (Somerset East)
- Beaufort (Beaufort West)
- Swellendam
- George
- Colesberg
- Cradock
- Clanwilliam
- Graaff Reinet
- Riversdale
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Table Mountain (clearly depicted near Cape Town)
- Entrance to the Knysna (illustrated in a decorative vignette)
- Mountain ranges clearly labeled, including the Great Karroo region
- Rivers prominently labeled, such as the Orange River (Gariep River), Great Fish River, and Great Kei River
- Decorative border and artistic vignettes showcasing local landscapes and architecture
- Graham Town prominently illustrated in a decorative vignette
- Cape Town prominently illustrated in a decorative vignette
- Coastal features and bays, such as Algoa Bay, False Bay, and St. Helena Bay, clearly labeled
- Cape of Good Hope clearly marked and labeled
Historical and design context
- Created by John Tallis, published in 1851.
- Decorative vignettes depicting scenes such as the "Entrance to the Knysna," "Graham Town," and "Cape Town," providing visual context and cultural insights into the region at the time.
- Engraved for R. Montgomery Martin's Illustrated Atlas, a notable atlas of the period known for its decorative and informative maps.
- Depicts the Cape Colony region of present-day South Africa, including areas now part of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces.
- Shows political boundaries, physical geography, rivers, mountain ranges, and coastal features, reflecting both political and physical geography themes.
- Provides insight into colonial-era South Africa, illustrating British colonial interests, settlement patterns, and geographical knowledge of the region in the mid-19th century.
- John Tallis was renowned for his decorative and detailed maps, often including artistic vignettes and illustrations of local scenes, people, and landscapes.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Para la mayoría de los pedidos, el tiempo de entrega es de aproximadamente 3 días laborables. Los productos personalizados y a medida tardan más, ya que tengo que hacer la personalización y enviártelo para su aprobación, lo cual suele tardar 1 o 2 días.
Tenga en cuenta que los pedidos enmarcados muy grandes suelen tardar más en fabricarse y entregarse.
Si necesitas que tu pedido llegue para una fecha determinada, por favor contáctame antes de hacer el pedido para que podamos encontrar la mejor manera de asegurarnos de que recibas tu pedido a tiempo.
Imprimo y enmarco mapas y obras de arte en 23 países alrededor del mundo. Esto significa que tu pedido se fabricará localmente, lo que reduce el tiempo de entrega y asegura que no se dañe durante el envío. Nunca pagarás aranceles de aduana o impuestos de importación, y pondremos menos CO2 en el aire.
Todos mis mapas y impresiones artísticas están bien empaquetados y enviados en un tubo resistente si no están enmarcados, o rodeados de espuma si están enmarcados.
Intento enviar todos los pedidos dentro de 1 o 2 días después de recibir tu pedido, aunque algunos productos (como mascarillas, tazas y bolsas de tela) pueden tardar más en fabricarse.
Si seleccionas Entrega Exprés al finalizar la compra, priorizaremos tu pedido y lo enviaremos por mensajería de 1 día (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).
La entrega al día siguiente también está disponible en algunos países (EE. UU., Reino Unido, Singapur, EAU), pero por favor intenta hacer tu pedido temprano en el día para que podamos enviarlo a tiempo.
Mi marco estándar es un marco de madera de fresno negro estilo galería. Es simple y tiene un aspecto bastante moderno. Mi marco estándar tiene alrededor de 20 mm (0.8 in) de ancho.
Utilizo acrílico super claro (perspex/acrylite) para el vidrio del marco. Es más ligero y seguro que el vidrio, y se ve mejor, ya que la reflectividad es menor.
Seis colores de marco estándar están disponibles de forma gratuita (negro, marrón oscuro, gris oscuro, roble, blanco y oro antiguo).El enmarcado y montaje/matizado personalizado está disponible si buscas algo diferente.
La mayoría de los mapas, arte e ilustraciones también están disponibles como un lienzo enmarcado. Utilizamos lienzo de algodón mate (no brillante), lo estiramos sobre un marco de madera de caja de origen sostenible, y luego 'flotamos' la pieza dentro de un marco de madera. El resultado final es bastante hermoso, y no hay cristal que se interponga.
Todos los marcos se proporcionan "listos para colgar", con una cuerda o soportes en la parte posterior. Los marcos muy grandes tendrán placas de colgar de alta resistencia y/o un listón de montaje. Si tienes alguna pregunta, por favor ponte en contacto.
Mira algunos ejemplos de mis mapas enmarcados y mapas en lienzo enmarcados.
Alternativamente, también puedo proporcionar mapas antiguos y obras de arte en lienzo, tablero de espuma, papel de algodón y otros materiales.
Si deseas enmarcar tu mapa o obra de arte tú mismo, por favor lee mi guía de tamaños primero.
Algunos de mis mapas antiguos ahora están disponibles como lienzos enmarcados. Por favor contáctame si deseas pedir un tamaño que no está disponible en mi tienda.
Los mapas antiguos en lienzo son una alternativa interesante a los mapas enmarcados convencionalmente. Dependiendo de tu gusto personal y la decoración de la habitación, los mapas en lienzo pueden "destacar" un poco más que un mapa enmarcado.
Mis mapas son reproducciones de mapas originales de altísima calidad.
Obtengo mapas originales y raros de bibliotecas, casas de subastas y colecciones privadas de todo el mundo, los restauro en mi taller de Londres y luego uso tintas e impresoras giclée especializadas para crear hermosos mapas que lucen incluso mejor que el original.
Mis mapas están impresos en papel de archivo mate (no brillante) sin ácido que se siente de muy alta calidad y casi como una tarjeta. En términos técnicos, el peso/grosor del papel es de 10 mil/200 g/m². Es perfecto para enmarcar.
Imprimo con tintas pigmentadas Epson ultrachrome giclée UV resistentes a la decoloración, algunas de las mejores tintas que puedes encontrar.
yo también puedo hacer mapas sobre lienzo, trapo de algodón y otros materiales exóticos.
Obtenga más información sobre The Unique Maps Co..
Personalización de mapas
Si está buscando el regalo perfecto de aniversario o inauguración de la casa, puedo personalizar su mapa para hacerlo verdaderamente único. Por ejemplo, puedo agregar un mensaje corto, resaltar una ubicación importante o agregar el escudo de armas de su familia.
Las opciones son casi infinitas. Por favor mira mi página de personalización de mapas para ver algunos maravillosos ejemplos de lo que es posible.
Para pedir un mapa personalizado, seleccione "personalizar su mapa" antes de agregarlo a su carrito.
Ponerse en contacto si buscas personalizaciones y personalizaciones más complejas.
Envejecimiento del mapa
A lo largo de los años, los clientes me han preguntado cientos de veces si podían comprar un mapa que se viera uniforme. más viejo.
Bueno, ahora puedes hacerlo seleccionando Envejecido antes de agregar un mapa a tu carrito.
Todas las fotografías de productos que ve en esta página muestran el mapa en su forma original. Así es como se ve el mapa hoy.
Si selecciona Envejecido, envejeceré su mapa a mano, usando un proceso especial y único desarrollado a través de años de estudiar mapas antiguos, hablar con investigadores para comprender la química del envejecimiento del papel y, por supuesto... ¡mucha práctica!
Si no estás seguro, quédate con el color original del mapa. Si quieres algo un poco más oscuro y más viejo buscando, opte por Envejecido.
Si no estás satisfecho con tu pedido por cualquier motivo, contáctame para un reembolso sin complicaciones.
Estoy muy seguro de que te gustará tu mapa restaurado o impresión artística. He estado haciendo esto desde 1984. Soy un vendedor de 5 estrellas en Etsy. He vendido decenas de miles de mapas e impresiones artísticas y tengo más de 4,000 reseñas reales de 5 estrellas.
Utilizo un proceso único para restaurar mapas y obras de arte que consume mucho tiempo y mano de obra. Encontrar los mapas e ilustraciones originales puede llevar meses. Utilizo tecnología de última generación y extremadamente cara para escanear y restaurarlos. Como resultado, garantizo que mis mapas y impresiones artísticas son superiores a los demás - por eso puedo ofrecer un reembolso sin complicaciones.
Casi todos mis mapas e impresiones artísticas se ven increíbles en tamaños grandes (200 cm, 6.5 pies+) y también puedo enmarcarlos y entregártelos a través de un servicio de mensajería especial de gran tamaño. Contáctame para discutir tus necesidades específicas.
Or try searching for something!