Australia 1856 Vintage Map 

Australia 1856 Vintage Map is a richly illustrated celebration of Australian geography and history by South African author and illustrator Margaret Whiting Spilhaus, created around 1927. Rather than presenting the continent through geography alone, Spilhaus transforms Australia into an absorbing tapestry of miniature stories, filling the land and surrounding seas with explorers, industries, animals, ships and historical scenes. Gentle cream, blue, green and ochre tones enhance its old-world cartographic beauty, while the sheer abundance of detail makes it an artwork to explore at close quarters. The 1856 reference relates to historical subject matter within the map, rather than its creation date.

• Follow a fascinating visual journey through Australia’s landscapes, with rivers, mountains, forests and settlements surrounded by scenes of exploration, farming, mining, transport and developing industry.

• Kangaroos, emus, camels and cattle appear among the tiny illustrated narratives, while sailing ships, fishing vessels and sea creatures enliven the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans.

• Beautifully decorative borders, illustrated panels, scrollwork and an elaborate cartouche add to its vintage character, turning historical information into highly decorative wall art.

• An engaging choice for collectors of vintage maps and historical art, as well as Australian history enthusiasts, travellers, educators and anyone fascinated by exploration and the story of the continent.

• Make it a statement piece in a study, library, home office or living room, or display it in a hallway, reading room, heritage setting or educational space where its intricate details can be enjoyed up close.

• Available as a stretched canvas print, framed print or rolled canvas, in a massive selection of sizes from extra-large to small, with larger formats showcasing the wealth of miniature imagery beautifully.