The "Map of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" by Ernest Clegg is a captivating blend of artistry and cartographic precision. Created in 1925, this map reflects Clegg's mastery as an illustrator and cartographer. Known for his unique ability to intertwine historical narratives with geographical accuracy, Clegg’s work is a testament to his British origins and his time spent in the United States. This map, in particular, was part of a bespoke collection intended for customization, offering a glimpse into the personalized cartographic art of the early 20th century.
Clegg's map is a visual feast, printed on pale yellow heavy paper, with intricate illustrations that bring the history of Rhode Island to life. The decorative compass rose and the artistic cartouche housing the map's title are just a few examples of the detailed craftsmanship that characterizes Clegg's work. The map is adorned with illustrations of historical ships, figures, and events, each meticulously drawn to evoke the rich maritime history of the region. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide a narrative of exploration and settlement.
The map covers the entirety of Rhode Island, extending into parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut, with the Atlantic Ocean beautifully rendered along its eastern edge. It showcases the detailed coastline of Rhode Island, highlighting its bays, inlets, and islands. An inset map of Block Island adds depth to the geographical representation. The map’s thematic focus is evident in the inclusion of historical annotations and artistic depictions of Native American figures, colonial settlements, and early explorers, offering a window into the past.
Ernest Clegg’s work is distinguished by its thematic richness and historical context. The map was part of a collection designed for clients who sought to incorporate personal or regional information, making each piece unique. Although this particular map was never customized, it stands as a testament to Clegg’s vision of combining cartography with storytelling. The illustrations of sea creatures and historical ships further enrich the narrative, capturing the imagination and transporting the viewer to an era of discovery and adventure.
The map also highlights the key cities and towns of Rhode Island, such as Providence, Newport, and Warwick, alongside smaller settlements like Jamestown and Little Compton. Each location is carefully marked, providing a comprehensive view of the region's urban landscape in the early 20th century. The inclusion of historical landmarks and events, coupled with Clegg’s artistic flair, makes this map not only a functional piece of cartography but also a work of art that celebrates the cultural and historical tapestry of Rhode Island.
Cities and towns on this map
- Providence
- Newport
- Warwick
- Cranston
- Pawtucket
- East Providence
- Woonsocket
- Central Falls
- Westerly
- Coventry
- Cumberland
- North Providence
- South Kingstown
- Johnston
- North Kingstown
- West Warwick
- Bristol
- Lincoln
- Smithfield
- Barrington
- Middletown
- Portsmouth
- Tiverton
- East Greenwich
- Narragansett
- Burrillville
- Glocester
- Jamestown
- Hopkinton
- Charlestown
- Richmond
- Exeter
- Scituate
- Foster
- Little Compton
- New Shoreham
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Illustrations of historical ships
- Decorative compass rose
- Illustrations of historical figures and events
- Artistic depiction of the Atlantic Ocean
- Detailed coastline of Rhode Island
- Illustration of a deer
- Illustration of a tower
- Various crests and coats of arms
- Inset map of Block Island
- Illustrations of Native American figures and scenes
- Representation of a colonial settlement
- Artistic cartouche with the map's title
- Illustrations of sea creatures
- Historical text annotations
- Illustrations of early explorers
Historical and design context
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Name of the map: Map of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
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Creation date: 1925
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Mapmaker/Publisher: Ernest Clegg (1876-1954)
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Design and style: Printed on pale yellow heavy paper, combining artistic illustrations with geographic information.
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Themes and topics: Includes historical and thematic elements, with illustrations of ships and historical figures.
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Regions shown: Rhode Island, parts of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean.
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Historical significance: Part of a bespoke collection intended for customization, offering a glimpse into personalized cartographic art of the early 20th century.
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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.