‘STAFFORDSHIRE’ by Thomas Moule c.1840s

A decorative and detailed 19th century Thomas Moule map of Staffordshire — with heraldic shields and inset views of Stafford Castle, Lichfield Cathedral and Ingestre House — which was published in Barclay’s Complete & Universal English Dictionary (London: G. Virtue, 1840s).

The Moule county maps were unusual for the period in that they were highly decorative. The scientific rationality of the late 18th & early 19th century had seen a move away from the flamboyance of earlier map making, emphasizing instead, a greater desire for accuracy and detail. Thomas Moule, like many of his contemporaries, however, was drawn to a more simplistic, pre-industrial age. This was clearly reflected in his maps with their neo-Gothic borders, heraldic shields and views of ancient buildings; ironically, the Moule maps issued later in the 1840s were amongst the first to show the newly constructed railways.

• This is an original steel engraving with later hand colour.
• Printed area is approximately 19.7cms  by 25.7cms.
• The map is in very good condition with adequate margins. Click on image for a better view.
• The item comes displayed in a ready to frame museum quality mount.
• Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs.
• Guaranteed to be over 160 years old.