Leading our Books and Maps auction on Tuesday 10 October, will be two atlases by one of the leading names in English cartography, John Speed (c.1551-1629). In the annals of cartography, few figures loom as large as John Speed, a 17th-century English mapmaker whose intricate and artful maps not only documented the geographical features of the world, but also provided valuable insights into the cultural, political and historical dimensions of his time.
22 September 2023
VIEW AUCTION REQUEST A VALUATION CONTACT A SPECIALIST
Speed’s contributions to the realm of cartography go beyond mere topographical accuracy; his maps are an intricate tapestry that weaves together geography and history, shedding light on the interconnectedness of the world during a pivotal period of exploration and discovery.
Born c.1551 in the village of Farndon, Cheshire, John Speed displayed an early affinity for cartography. Trained as a tailor, he nurtured his passion for maps alongside his trade. In 1611/12, his magnum opus, ‘The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine’ was published, a work that would immortalise his name in the history of cartography. This ambitious undertaking contained county maps of England and Wales, and was the first English attempt at creating a large-scale atlas. Accompanied by detailed descriptions of each region’s history, culture and notable landmarks, ‘The Theatre’ was an immediate success, the first print run of 500 copies sold out quickly and many editions followed. By the 1627 edition, a bound copy of the atlas cost 40 shillings (around £3,000 in today’s currency).
However, getting to this point of success took some time. Speed moved to London and married the daughter of Thomas Draper of London, Susanna, by 1582 and according to sources they had eighteen children together. Following his father into the family business, a reliable trade at the time, he continued in this occupation until he was around fifty. However, alongside his profession, his insatiable curiosity for cartography and deep interest in history spurred him to produce several maps that caught the attention of a few learned individuals, most notably Sir Fulke Greville. It was through Greville and others’ patronage, that Speed was able to devote more time to his studies, creating maps for the Merchant Taylors and even Queen Elizabeth I.
Speed’s maps were not merely functional tools for navigation; they were intricate repositories of historical knowledge. Each map was adorned with detailed illustrations of towns, cities and landmarks, presenting a visual narrative of the past, and each county map was illustrated with famous battles, local coats of arms, as well as Roman and prehistoric sites such as Stonehenge.
Speed (John) A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World, Viz. Asia, Africa, Europe, America.(£10,000-15,000)
These maps were so much more than mere geographical sketches - they were works of art - and his attention to detail and aesthetic sensibility elevated them to the realm of fine craftsmanship.
The landscape was beautifully recorded, with rivers meandering through the landscape, small huddles of buildings to represent villages and towns, and woodland and parks marked by small clusters of trees. The countryside is filled with human and animal life, a ploughman and his horses are depicted at work in fields near Worcester, and British seas teem with sea monsters and ships in full sail. As a result, Speed’s maps transcended their utilitarian purpose to become pieces of art that captured the zeitgeist of the period.
Speed acknowledged those that had been before him by paying tribute to earlier map-makers whose work he drew on: ‘I have put my sickle into other mens corne’. However, his meticulous approach to cartography set a standard for subsequent generations, influencing the likes of Joan Blaeu and Willem Janszoon Blaeu. His maps became treasured possessions among collectors and scholars, a testament to their enduring historical and artistic value, and ‘The Theatre’ was used as a blueprint for folio atlases for almost 150 years. In an age where maps are digital and navigation is automated, revisiting his work is a reminder of the intricate relationship between geography, history and the human touch that once defined the art of mapmaking.
We are proud to offer two of John Speed’s greatest works: ‘The Theatre’ and ‘A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World’, as a bound volume in our October Books and Maps sale. Viewing of the auction will take place at our Stansted Mountfitchet salerooms and bidding will be available in person or online.
rarebooks@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
English studio potter Charles Vyse has an exciting and vibrant selection of ceramic works on offer in Sworders 28 January Design sale. Delve into the history of the craftmanship behind these pieces and the career that led to such captivating creations.
4 December 2024
Hidden around the Stansted Mountfitchet site of Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, we are lucky to have two beehives that have been busily working throughout the year. Jars of honey were offered in return for donations, which went towards to raising money for 'Young Lives vs Cancer', our charity of the year, and we’re hoping that more honey will be on offer in 2025. John Black delves into the apiary...
4 December 2024
Chairfinder, based near Darlington in the North East of England, is a family-run business with a flair for unique, fine and beautifully crafted chairs and interior items. Run by the ever-passionate William Carr, who scours the country looking for exceptional and distinctive items as well as collaborating with contemporary artists and designers.
27 November 2024