Sheffield, created by John Tallis and published in London in 1851, presents a visually striking and detailed town plan of Sheffield, England. This fully hand-colored example showcases the roads, buildings, railway stations, and other significant features of the city.
One notable aspect of Tallis's maps is their decorative nature, and this depiction of Sheffield is no exception. Tallis, renowned as one of the last great decorative map makers, imbues his works with exquisite vignettes of indigenous scenes and people, adding artistic flair to the cartographic representation. These vignettes contribute to the map's aesthetic appeal and provide a glimpse into the local culture and environment.
In addition to the town plan itself, the map includes landscape insets depicting Sheffield from the southeast and the Parish Church of Sheffield. These insets offer additional perspectives and details of prominent landmarks within the city.
It is worth noting that Tallis's town plans, such as this one of Sheffield, were less commonly found in his works compared to his regional maps. As a result, these town plans are considered more difficult to obtain, adding to their desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.
The Sheffield map by John Tallis not only serves as a practical reference for navigating the city but also offers a captivating visual representation of Sheffield in the mid-19th century. Its combination of detailed cartography, decorative elements, and cultural vignettes make it a valuable and sought-after piece among collectors, showcasing the artistry and skill of Tallis as a mapmaker.
John Tallis (1817-1876) was a British map publisher. Born in the Midlands, Tallis came to London in the 1840s. Tallis began his London career with a series of remarkable London street views. He began a partnership with a Frederick Tallis, possibly his brother, but their collaboration ended in 1849. For the Great Exhibition of 1851, Tallis published the Illustrated World Atlas, one of the last series of decorative world maps ever produced. The maps were engraved by John Rapkin, a skilled artisan. The maps were later reissued by the London Printing & Publishing Company, who left the Tallis imprint intact, thus ensuring his enduring fame. In 1858, he began publication of the popular Illustrated News of the World and National Portrait Gallery of Eminent Personages, selling it in 1861 (it ceased publication in 1863).