Old Mercator World Map of the British Empire by Stanford, 1894: Centred on the Pacific

The map titled "The World on Mercator's Projection Showing The British Possessions" is a captivating artifact from 1894, crafted by the renowned mapmaker Edward Stanford. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Stanford's work provides a window into the geopolitical landscape of the late 19th century. This map not only charts the world but also vividly illustrates the vast expanse of the British Empire at its zenith. The detailed annotations and routes of explorers marked on the map reflect an era of discovery and colonial ambition, making it a fascinating historical document.

Edward Stanford's expertise in cartography is evident in the map's design, which employs Mercator's projection. This projection, while distorting the size of landmasses near the poles, was favored for its navigational utility. The map's intricate detailing of political boundaries and physical geography underscores Stanford's commitment to accuracy and precision. The use of color and shading to highlight British possessions further emphasizes the imperial reach of the United Kingdom during this period.

The map's thematic focus on exploration is particularly compelling. It traces the routes of several notable explorers, offering insights into the journeys that expanded the world's understanding of its geography. The Antarctic region, in particular, is detailed with discoveries and dates, showcasing the era's burgeoning interest in polar exploration. These elements not only enhance the map's visual appeal but also provide a narrative of human curiosity and endeavor.

In addition to its historical significance, the map's design is a testament to the artistry of cartography. The inclusion of inset maps of the polar regions provides additional layers of detail, while the careful annotation of bodies of water, mountain ranges, and exploration routes adds depth and context. This combination of artistry and information creates a piece that is as informative as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Overall, this map is more than just a depiction of the world; it is a chronicle of an era. It captures the spirit of the 1890s, a time of exploration, empire, and expanding horizons. For collectors and history enthusiasts alike, Edward Stanford's map offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history that is both beautiful and enlightening.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• Africa
• Antarctica
• Asia
• Europe
• North America
• South America
• Australia
• Regions and Countries:
• British Empire territories highlighted
• Various countries and regions within each continent are shown, reflecting the political boundaries of the time.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset Maps:
• Insets of the polar regions, providing additional detail on the Arctic and Antarctic.
• Bodies of Water:
• Atlantic Ocean
• Pacific Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Arctic Ocean
• Mountain Ranges:
• The Himalayas
• The Andes
• Exploration Routes:
• Routes of notable explorers are marked and annotated.
• Historical Notes:
• Annotations on discoveries and dates, particularly in the Antarctic region.

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: Edward Stanford, a prominent mapmaker known for detailed and accurate maps.
• Date created: 1894
• Design and Style:
• Uses Mercator's projection, common for navigation, but distorts size near the poles.
• Detailed annotations and routes indicate a focus on exploration and colonial interests.
• Historical Significance:
• Reflects the geopolitical landscape of the late 19th century.
• Illustrates the global reach of the British Empire at its height.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.