Old Esso Map of Wales by AE Taylor, 1934

The "Esso Pictorial Plan of Wales with Neighbouring Counties," crafted by the esteemed A.E. Taylor in 1934, is a captivating blend of art and cartography. This map transports you to a bygone era, capturing the essence of Wales and its neighboring English counties with a vibrant tapestry of illustrations. Taylor, renowned for his artistic flair, infused this map with intricate details that celebrate the cultural and geographical richness of the region. Each stroke of his pen invites you to explore the historical landscapes and bustling roads that defined early 20th-century travel.

Wales unfolds on this map as a land of poetic beauty, with its rolling hills and picturesque coastlines vividly illustrated. The map highlights the major cities and towns, such as Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport, each a hub of history and culture. Beyond the urban centers, the map reveals the rugged charm of the Welsh countryside, with its iconic mountains and serene bodies of water like the Irish Sea and Cardigan Bay. This map is not just a navigational tool but a visual ode to the land of bards and song.

The neighboring English counties, including Liverpool, Bristol, and Shrewsbury, are elegantly depicted, offering a glimpse into the interconnectedness of these regions. The map’s borders are gracefully drawn, reflecting the historical ties and distinctions between Wales and England. Landmarks, such as castles and historical buildings, are meticulously illustrated, inviting the viewer to embark on a journey through time and space, exploring the rich tapestry of history that these regions share.

A.E. Taylor’s work is a testament to the artistry and precision of early 20th-century mapmaking. His ability to blend thematic elements with geographical accuracy makes this map a cherished piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. The decorative elements and vibrant colors are characteristic of the period, providing a window into the past and showcasing the allure of travel during this era. Taylor’s map is more than a guide; it is a celebration of the landscapes and stories that define Wales and its neighbors.

This map holds historical significance as part of a broader trend of illustrated maps designed for tourism and road travel in the early 20th century. It reflects the cultural and geographical understanding of the time, offering a unique perspective on the world as it was seen in 1934. Whether you are drawn to its artistic beauty or its historical insights, the "Esso Pictorial Plan of Wales with Neighbouring Counties" is a timeless treasure that continues to captivate and inspire.

Cities and towns on this map

• Wales:
• Cardiff
• Swansea
• Newport
• Wrexham
• Bangor
• Aberystwyth
• Carmarthen
• Llandudno
• Neath
• Bridgend
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Llanelli
• Rhyl
• Barry
• Caerphilly
• Port Talbot
• Pontypridd
• Colwyn Bay
• Abergavenny

• Haverfordwest

• England:

• Liverpool
• Bristol
• Shrewsbury
• Chester
• Hereford
• Worcester
• Gloucester

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations: Various cultural and historical scenes depicted across the map.
• Landmarks: Castles and significant buildings illustrated in various locations.
• Bodies of water: The Irish Sea, Cardigan Bay, and The Bristol Channel.
• Borders: Clear demarcation of the border between Wales and England.
• Mountains: Illustrated topographical features representing mountainous regions.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Esso Pictorial Plan of Wales with Neighbouring Counties
• Date of creation: 1934
• Mapmaker/Publisher: A.E. Taylor
• Themes and topics: Thematic and pictorial representation of geographical and cultural features.
• Design and style: Pictorial and thematic with detailed illustrations and decorative elements.
• Historical significance: Reflects the cultural and geographical understanding of the region in the 1930s. Part of the broader trend of illustrated maps for tourism and road travel 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 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.