Custom Map of London by Edward Stanford, 1862: Design & Make Your Own Old Map

Behold! You can finally make your own custom map of London by Edward Stanford.

You can choose between three versions of the Stanford map of London: The oldest monochrome map from 1862; a monochrome version with blue Thames from 1862; or a fully handcoloured one from 1891. The zoomable map will not change when you select a coloured map, but we will save your preference and make sure you get your preferred map style.

Simply drag and zoom the map, and when you're happy with it add the map to your basket. You can use the magnifying glass to search for a specific street, postcode or landmark.

I will then create the exact same map and send it to you. The finished map will look just like a real Stanford map of London with the frame, title and legend in place. See the 'example images' - this is exactly what your map will look like.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

Please make sure you select whether you want the map to be landscape (wider), portrait (taller) or square (square).

I will send you a draft image of your map before I print it. You can also leave a note on your shopping basket if you want to make doubly sure that I've got the right area on the map.

If you want your map further personalised with a message inscribed on the map, please select the 'personalisation' option. If you want a different kind of personalisation (like marking your house with a certain colour) please get in touch.

These custom-made maps are perfect as housewarming gifts, or for your own office or living room wall if you live in London.

You can order the map itself, or you can order a framed version. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that really makes my maps pop out when on the wall. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame. I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) - it's less reflective than glass and better for transport.

For a limited time these custom maps are the same price as my other maps - once I've done a few, the price will go up.

About the map

Edward Stanford's Library Map of London is widely considered to be the greatest map of London ever made. Compiled in the 1850s and 60s, it shows the heart of the British Empire at the peak of Victorian Britain.

An almost perfect version of this map has been sourced and lovingly restored by the Unique Maps Co. This is the best version of this map that you can buy anywhere.

Originally printed in 24 sheets, this is the most detailed old London map you can find. Almost every single dwelling in London is drawn on this map - and considering there were around 3 million people living in London in the 1860s, that's a lot of dwellings.

By the 1860s, almost all of London's famous landmarks already exist. The parks, the palaces, the museums, St Paul's, the royal parks - they're all here. Perhaps the main one that hasn't been built yet is the Royal Albert Hall which would be opened about 10 years later.

If you are looking for super large versions of this map (I can print and frame it up to 10 meters/33ft wide), please see this product instead. I can also make some lovely wallpaper with this map.

My large maps are perfect for hotels, pubs, bars and offices - but if you have a large space at home, then they would look amazing there as well!

Please get in touch with me before you order so that we can discuss what you're looking for and make sure that the map you buy will look perfect.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.