Step into the enchanting world of early 20th-century California with Ruth Taylor White’s whimsical 1930 pictorial map, “A Cartograph of California’s Picturesque Peninsula where all the Charm and Beauty of California is Found in: San Mateo County.” This captivating map offers a vibrant snapshot of San Mateo County as it appeared during a transformative era, blending artistic flair with historical insight. White’s celebrated style—characterized by lively illustrations, bold colors, and playful caricatures—brings the county’s scenic coastline, rolling hills, and bustling towns to life, making this piece both a work of art and a valuable historical document.

Ruth Taylor White stands among the most prolific and beloved pictographic mapmakers of her time, and her work here exemplifies her unique ability to infuse maps with local color and humor. Each town, from San Mateo and Redwood City to Half Moon Bay and Pescadero, is rendered with charming detail, reflecting the distinct character and economic activities of the region. The map’s illustrations of agriculture, recreation, and daily life offer a window into the county’s culture and industries in 1930, making it a treasure trove for collectors and historians alike.

Beyond its artistic appeal, this map serves as a rich historical record, capturing the essence of San Mateo County during a period of rapid growth and modernization. The depiction of the Southern Pacific Railroad, major highways, and the Dumbarton Bridge highlights the region’s evolving transportation networks, which played a crucial role in shaping the county’s development. Landmarks such as the Crystal Springs Reservoir and the lush redwood forests are lovingly illustrated, emphasizing the natural beauty that has long drawn visitors and residents to the peninsula.

What truly sets this map apart is its ability to weave together the county’s past and present, showcasing both its storied history and its vibrant contemporary life. The playful scenes of golf, horseback riding, and beach-going reflect the leisure pursuits that defined the era, while the inclusion of local industries—such as flower and artichoke farming—speaks to the county’s agricultural heritage. Caricatures of residents and visitors engaged in everyday activities provide a delightful sense of personality and place, making the map a lively testament to the community spirit of 1930s San Mateo.

For collectors of fine cartography and lovers of California history, this map is a rare and exquisite find. It not only offers a meticulously detailed view of San Mateo County’s towns, landmarks, and natural wonders, but also serves as a visual celebration of the region’s enduring charm. Whether displayed as a centerpiece in a study or admired as part of a curated collection, Ruth Taylor White’s masterpiece invites you to explore the picturesque peninsula and discover the stories woven into its landscape.

Places on this map

• San Mateo
• Redwood City
• Burlingame
• Menlo Park
• Palo Alto
• South San Francisco
• Half Moon Bay
• Colma
• San Bruno
• Millbrae
• Hillsborough
• Belmont
• Atherton
• Woodside
• Portola
• Pescadero
• Montara
• La Honda
• Crystal Springs Reservoir
• Dumbarton Bridge

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The Pacific Ocean coastline along the western edge of San Mateo County
• The San Francisco Bay along the eastern edge of the county
• The Southern Pacific Railroad line, depicted running through the county
• Major highways and roads, illustrated and labeled
• Whimsical illustrations of local agriculture, such as artichoke and flower farms
• Illustrations of recreational activities, such as golf, horseback riding, and beach-going
• Notable landmarks, such as the Crystal Springs Reservoir
• Illustrations of local wildlife and natural scenery, such as redwood trees and mountains
• Caricatures of people engaged in various activities, reflecting the county's culture and economy
• Decorative border and title cartouche in Ruth Taylor White's signature style
• Promotional taglines and captions highlighting the charm and beauty of San Mateo County

Historical and design context

• Created in 1930 by Ruth Taylor White, one of the most prolific and famous pictographic mapmakers of the early 20th century
• Features a whimsical, pictorial style with hand-drawn illustrations and vibrant color
• Provides a historically informative and thematic overview of San Mateo County, California
• Captures the region’s geography, culture, and economic activities during a period of rapid growth and modernization
• Intended as a promotional or tourist guide, encouraging travel and exploration of San Mateo County
• Part of a broader trend in early 20th-century pictorial cartography, blending entertainment and information
• Serves as a valuable artifact for understanding the visual culture and regional identity of California in 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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.

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.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

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.

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 order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.