Map Collecting. An enjoyable affliction!

Starting a collection in a new subject can be thrilling. Collecting maps can begin in many ways. A long time interest might result in a decision to begin collecting antique maps. Finding an old chart among papers might create a desire to research family history; receiving an antique map as a gift, might lead to a desire to know more about it. Great enjoyment and never-ending interest can be derived from a single antique map. As with all truly satisfying collections, the wonder of discovery that is experienced with the first unusual or fascinating map, continues for a lifetime. Early maps appeal at all ages. Anyone with an interest in geography, history, art, genealogy or even general nostalgia can be captivated. View some we have available http://www.antiqueprintclub.com/ As we have hundreds of others, please enquire if you are looking for a particular region.

Pictured above is a wonderful original antique map circa 1753 of Australia (called New Holland in 1753 before the arrival and charting by Captain Cook in 1770). It has a dotted line down an inaccurate east coast, and wording along this line saying that it is assumed that Tasmania joins to Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea, but without proof! Among the world's most recently discovered coastlines, early Australian maps vary greatly - depending on the reliability of their authorship. This map is one of the most requested. View the early Australian antique maps that are currently available at  http://www.antiqueprintclub.com/c-9-australianzng.aspx As an original copperplate engraving of this map is rarely available, it is available as a Heritage Editions reproduction from our website.

If you are not interested in the technique used to create an early map and hand-made paper, and the ownership of a rare original antique map does not excite you, interesting early interpretations of the mapping of Australia are available as Heritage Editions reproductions or Limited Edition prints from early charts. The (hand-coloured) Limited Edition map above at right is from an original engraving of the first map of Australia published in English and showing only Australia. By Emanuel Bowen, it was originally published in England circa 1744. Below at left, is the Heritage Editions map originally published circa 1798 by Cassini, to show Captain Cook's navigation of the east coast, prior to Flinders' circumnavigation of Australia. Select from Heritage Editions reproduction maps at http://www.antiqueprintclub.com/c-8-maps.aspx. 

Map enthusiasts have different motivations for collecting. Some may wish simply to create a fine display of framed maps along a hallway of their home for everyone to enjoy; others may wish to add a prestigious perspective to their office. When hung on the wall, a well-framed map or chart adds a touch of distinction to any environment. In the office, the atmosphere created may be just that little bit more intellectual and conducive to doing business. Early maps are certainly a good talking point, and the pleasure they give is endless.

Sometimes a collector will secrete antique maps in special conservation storage - to be brought out on rainy days and peered at through a magnifying glass, or revealed to captive friends and family. The narrative of early voyages and discoveries are told within the scientific parameters of mapmaking. The finely engraved geographic detail, vignettes (engraved views), cartouches (title pieces), and decorative borders all reveal hours of painstaking artistry. The charting of coastlines, as well as representing the progress of discoveries, sometimes revealed through their inaccuracy, the competitive and artistic nature of their creators. 

Brisbane River (Australia) charted by John Oxley in 1823

Plan de la Riviere Brisbane(Nouvelle Hollande) Découverte par M. OXLEY Ingenieur Géographe au Port Jackson (Décembre 1823)

Chart of the Brisbane River Discovered by John Oxley, Geographical Engineer at Port Jackson. (December 1823)

John Oxley's "Plan of the Brisbane River (New Holland)", complete with depth soundings, was published first in a French world journal of voyages, by Louis Isidore Duperrey. Oxley's record of the river was drawn by Hacq and engraved on a copperplate by Ambroise Tardieu, for inclusion in Duperrey’s narrative of his voyages that included other's recent charts of the region, and was published in Paris in 1824 for “Voyage autour du Monde.. Atlas Hydrographie”.

In 1823 John Oxley was sent north from Sydney in search of a suitable site for the extension of the settlement of Port Jackson. He was commissioned to explore Moreton Bay, Port Curtis and Port Bowen, which had been discovered in 1799 by Matthew Flinders. After visiting Port Curtis, Oxley returned to Moreton Bay where he was apparently directed to the Brisbane River by an ex-convict of the name of Pamphlett, who had been living with local aborigines. Oxley carried out expeditions along the Pine River and Brisbane River and the adjacent countryside.

On his return to Sydney in December 1823, Oxley lodged his report. Soon after his return to Port Jackson, Oxley was made Surveyor-General of the Australian colony known as New South Wales. He recorded that “a fine river of major proportions has been discovered in northern New South Wales, New Holland.” and that “the river is navigable a full 40 miles upstream and looks certain to be opened up for development". The Moreton Bay penal colony was proposed for the following year. John Oxley named the river, and later the town, after the Governor of New South Wales, Thomas Brisbane.

Brisbane was still part of New South Wales until "separation" of the State of Queensland in 1859. The name Brisbane was in the balance at one stage, with several eminent people suggesting the town be called Edenglassie. For some reason, Governor Thomas Brisbane decided that 'Brisbane' was better.
Oxley's charting of the river, with depth soundings, is acknowledged as being extremely accurate in its detail and scope. Despite the periodic abuse by tides and river traffic, this chart is still of considerable relevance and interest – particularly to those who live nearby or use the river. It is a beautiful river - and important to anyone with an interest in the history of Brisbane.

Original copperplate-engraved maps circa 1824 are rarely seen today. Heritage Editions has reproduced a fine Limited Edition from an original engraving of John Oxley's in-depth charting of the Brisbane River, to make this interesting chart more readily available. These reprints are also available with the Brisbane River highlighted by hand-colour (see framed example). http://www.antiqueprintclub.com/c-8-maps.aspx