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John Tallis's 1851 town plan of Brussels is a remarkable representation of the Belgian capital. Published in London, this plan is notable for its striking vignettes that lend a unique charm and aesthetic to the piece.
Tallis's map features prominent landmarks and key areas of Brussels including the Hotel de Ville, Palace Royal, an Avenue in the Park, a View from near Port Anderlecht, and the Church of St. Gudule. These vignettes, presented with an exquisite attention to detail, provide an insightful visual narrative of the city, making this plan not only a practical guide but also a work of art.
Tallis's reputation as one of the last great decorative map makers of his time is evident in this piece. His distinctive style, characterized by the integration of indigenous scenes and people in his designs, makes his works highly sought after. His maps stand out for their unique blend of utility and artistry.
The town plans created by Tallis are rare as they appear in only a small percentage of his works, which predominantly featured regional maps. As a result, this plan of Brussels is a relatively scarce find, further amplifying its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts of cartographic art.
In essence, Tallis's town plan of Brussels serves as an exceptional portrayal of the city in the 19th century, capturing its architectural and cultural landscape while reflecting the distinctive style that sets Tallis's work apart.
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).
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