From wall art to wallet fattener: The world of old maps

[frauenfelder]

Originally published at: https://boingboing.net/2024/04/02/from-wall-art-to-wallet-fattener-the-world-of-old-maps.html

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[jaded]

I like all maps, regardless of age. Even a slightly out of date aviation map, with refolded creases and penciled circles around a couple of towers’ frequencies, tells a little story about its past.

I like the idea that someone put in the effort to measure everything, translated it to a drawing, imbued it with artistry and style, and someone else found it useful; and here it is today remaining artistic even after the original utility is lost.

Part art, part historical record, what’s not to love?

[LutherBlisset]

The drawing and engraving of that map must have been the work of a crazy person. Crazy about detail, that is.

I think I might print that one out in A0 and marvel at it.