An Atlas of Geographical Fun

Use the arrows to see each of the eight images in our feature and click/tap for larger versions.

The eight map images in This Week at the Shop are antique prints of originals that first appeared in an 1868 atlas titled, “Geographical fun : being humourous outlines of various countries, with an introduction and descriptive lines”. Each of the eight prints entrusted to us were re-framed, with matting hand-penned in a French matting style – the thin lines drawn on the mat. The twelve maps contained in the original atlas were based on pictures drawn by Lilian Lancaster, a fifteen year old young woman, created to amuse and entertain her sick brother. The artist was, however, William Harvey (1796-1873), a London Doctor and Journalist, most famous for his book ‘London Scenes and London People’ (1863). The maps contain references to political reforms of the day within Europe. Lilian went on to have a very successful stage career, but eventually returned to illustration under her married name, L. Tennant. Harvey, a journalist and antiquary, added a humorous rhyme to accompany each illustration. The illustrations were intended to be helpful for instructing children on maps in general, and the shape of various countries in a memorable way. Antique or interesting artwork of your own need attention? We’d love to help. Stop by our Claremont, NH shop for a look at the possibilities, or have a look at our Gallery for inspiration. (The entire Atlas of Geographical Fun can be viewed at the Library of Congress website, here: Atlas of Geographical Fun.

Thank you!
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