Rare Old Illustrated Map of London by Tallis, 1851 with 50 City Views

Discover the allure of Victorian London with "Tallis's Illustrated Plan of London and its Environs," a masterpiece crafted by the renowned mapmaker John Tallis in 1851. This exquisite map offers a window into the bustling metropolis of London during a time of immense growth and transformation. As one of the last great decorative mapmakers, Tallis infused his work with artistic elegance, making this map not only a practical guide but also a visual delight. The map's intricate details and vibrant illustrations capture the essence of a city at the height of its historical significance.

This iconic city map stands out for its inclusion of 50 separate city views, providing a comprehensive panorama of London’s architectural grandeur. From the majestic flow of the River Thames to the bustling streets of central London, every corner of the city is meticulously depicted. The map showcases significant neighborhoods such as the City of London and Westminster, offering a glimpse into the heart of Victorian urban life. Each street and landmark is rendered with precision, reflecting the vibrant character of the era.

Tallis's map is particularly notable for its artistic vignettes and illustrations of prominent buildings and landmarks. The border is adorned with depictions of key structures, offering a tour of London’s architectural treasures. This decorative element not only enhances the map's aesthetic appeal but also serves as a historical record of the city's most important sites. The presence of landmarks like Hyde Park and Regent's Park highlights the importance of green spaces in the urban landscape, providing a balance to the city's bustling activity.

The map's historical significance is further underscored by its rarity. Town plans by Tallis are less common than his regional maps, making this piece a coveted collector's item. It captures a moment in time when London was undergoing rapid development, reflecting the social and economic changes of the Victorian era. This map is not just a representation of geography; it is a testament to the city's enduring legacy and the mapmaker's exceptional skill.

For those with a passion for history and cartography, "Tallis's Illustrated Plan of London and its Environs" offers an unparalleled journey through one of the world's most fascinating cities. Whether you are drawn to the detailed depiction of streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street or the grand vistas of the River Thames, this map provides a rich tapestry of London's past. It is a celebration of the city's heritage, capturing the spirit of an era that continues to captivate and inspire.

Streets and roads on this map

• Baker Street
• Bond Street
• Cheapside
• Chiswell Street
• Fleet Street
• Gray's Inn Road
• Holborn
• Kensington Road
• King William Street
• Oxford Street
• Pall Mall
• Piccadilly
• Regent Street
• Shaftesbury Avenue
• Strand
• Tottenham Court Road
• Upper Thames Street
• Victoria Street
• Waterloo Road
• Whitehall

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Various illustrations of prominent London buildings and landmarks are present around the border of the map.
• The River Thames is prominently depicted, flowing through the city.
• Hyde Park and Regent's Park are visible as large green spaces.
• Central London areas, including the City of London and Westminster, are detailed on the map.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Tallis's Illustrated Plan of London and its Environs
• Creation date: 1851
• Mapmaker/Publisher: John Tallis
• Victorian London: The map provides a detailed view of London during the Victorian era, showcasing the city's layout and architecture.
• City views: Includes 50 separate city views, making it a highly decorative piece.
• Decorative elements: Known for its artistic vignettes and detailed illustrations of prominent buildings and landmarks.
• Historical significance: Offers insight into the urban development and architecture of London during the mid-19th century.
• Rarity: Town plans by Tallis are less common than his regional maps, adding to its historical value.

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.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 36in (90cm) 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

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

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.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.