Catalog Archive
Auction 113, Lot 400

"The Road from London to Barnstable in Devonshire…", Ogilby, John

Subject: England

Period: 1675-98 (published)

Publication: Britannia

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17.3 x 14 inches
43.9 x 35.6 cm
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John Ogilby's 'Britannia' was published between 1675 and 1698. It is a landmark in the mapping of England and Wales. Its unique format constituted the first national road-atlas of any country in Western Europe. It was composed of maps of seventy-three major roads and cross-roads, presented in a continuous strip-form, on a uniform scale of one inch to a mile. Each beautiful map includes wonderful detail of the countryside with each strip containing a large compass rose to indicate changes in direction.

This beautiful map is a continuation of the road from London and covers the section from Andover through Warminster to Bridgewater. Of particular interest is that Stonehenge is noted along the route. The vignette surrounding the cartouche is a scene of foxhunters and their hounds.

References:

Condition: B

Lightly toned with some minor offsetting. Backed with Japanese tissue to strengthen thin paper and filling a chip in top margin that barely affects the neatline.

Estimate: $300 - $375

Sold for: $400

Closed on 12/7/2005

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