Ordnance Survey

Land Ordnance of Great Britain

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Maps of the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain

Maps from the Ordnance Survey of Great Britain. "Popular Edition" maps from the 1920s; some with corrections to 1930s. Folding maps mounted on cloth and with original cover designed by Ellis Martin. All have small manuscript annotations in ink or pencil. Else, very good condition.

The Ordnance Survey was founded in 1791 to survey the entire country on a large scale for military purposes. The survey was to be under the direction of the Board of Ordnance headed by the Duke of Richmond. The intent was to produce maps on a scale of one inch to the mile. In the 1920s, the Ordnance Survey issued its "Popular Edition" on the one mile scale. These were folding maps mounted on cloth for use by drivers, bicyclists, and hikers. This series exhibits the usual very high Ordnance standards of accuracy, detail, and clarity, but they are particularly known for their cover art designed by Ellis Martin. The series includes Martin's sketch of a cyclist sitting on a hillside overlooking a prosperous valley. He is wearing plus-fours, a Norfolk jacket, and a cap, and he is reading a map with his bicycle by his side. While the maps themselves lack the decorative features of earlier years, these are still wonderful and collectible cartographic documents.

All maps are priced at $10. Please inquire regarding condition of specific maps.