A "Typical Californian's" Map of the United States by E. Chase, 1940: Unofficial Distorted West vs. East USA
Restored in our London workshop from the original 1940 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Printed and framed in the UK
Restored from the original 1940 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
Choose your size
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
Own a piece of history
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Originally published in 1940 by Ernest Dudley Chase, this is perhaps my most unique map of the United States. It shows California...
Continue readingOriginally published in 1940 by Ernest Dudley Chase, this is perhaps my most unique map of the United States. It shows California and the rest of the US from the perspective of a typical Californian.
The sun, as you can see, quite literally always shines on California - and the other states... well, just take a look: a barren expanse of spider webs, storm clouds, and a plane heading from east to west with the phrase "we'll soon be there!" above it. All in all, a very charming, if not very accurate, map of the US.
Well, unless you're from California, in which case it's very accurate of course...
Ernest Dudley Chase, who would eventually become one of the most prolific and popular pictorial map makers, originally started his careers as a graphic artist. He didn't start making maps until fairly late in his life, but as you can see, he had a real passion for creating humorous, interesting and incredibly detailed maps. He mostly focused on the US, though he also made a few world maps, and even a few maps made of postage stamps!
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16 inches (31x41cm), 18x24 inches (45.5x61cm) and 24x36 inches (61x91.5cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 80 inches (203cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 20x16 inch (51x40.5cm) version of this map.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, another option would be this amazing map of California by J. H. Colton in 1860.
The locations on this map include... In the spiderweb: Philadelphia, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Birmingham, Cincinnati and Washington. On the left side you can see lovely, detailed illustrations of California's famous landmarks such as Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, The Lick Observatory on the summit of Mount Hamilton, Los Angeles City Hall and several Roman Catholic missions such as Carmel, San Miguel and San Juan Bautista.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone from America or someone who has California close to their heart.
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.
Originally published in 1940 by Ernest Dudley Chase, this is perhaps my most unique map of the United States. It shows California and the rest of the US from the perspective of a typical Californian.
The sun, as you can see, quite literally always shines on California - and the other states... well, just take a look: a barren expanse of spider webs, storm clouds, and a plane heading from east to west with the phrase "we'll soon be there!" above it. All in all, a very charming, if not very accurate, map of the US.
Well, unless you're from California, in which case it's very accurate of course...
Ernest Dudley Chase, who would eventually become one of the most prolific and popular pictorial map makers, originally started his careers as a graphic artist. He didn't start making maps until fairly late in his life, but as you can see, he had a real passion for creating humorous, interesting and incredibly detailed maps. He mostly focused on the US, though he also made a few world maps, and even a few maps made of postage stamps!
This map looks great at all sizes, but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 80 inches (203cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 20x16 inch (51x40.5cm) version of this map.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, another option would be this amazing map of California by J. H. Colton in 1860.
The locations on this map include... In the spiderweb: Philadelphia, Nashville, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Birmingham, Cincinnati and Washington. On the left side you can see lovely, detailed illustrations of California's famous landmarks such as Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, The Lick Observatory on the summit of Mount Hamilton, Los Angeles City Hall and several Roman Catholic missions such as Carmel, San Miguel and San Juan Bautista.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone from America or someone who has California close to their heart.
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.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
We’ve been restoring and producing maps and art prints since 1984, and we stand behind every piece.
Every order is covered by our 10-year guarantee and damage-free delivery guarantee. If your piece arrives damaged, we’ll replace or remake it free of charge. If anything else isn’t right, contact our workshop team and we’ll put it right promptly.
See our returns and refund policy for full details.
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