John Speed's World Map (1627) – Antique Double Hemisphere Map

The whole world in two hemispheres, framed by celestial diagrams and allegorical figures. John Speed's map shows the continents as Europeans knew them in the early 17th century, with California drawn as an island, decorative borders and small scenes in the corners, all on a warm, aged paper.

Why it works on your wall

• A conversation piece: perfect in a study, a library or above a desk.
• Warm, antique tones: ochre, cream and soft colours that go with wood and leather.
• Framing tip: a dark wood or gold frame, like an old atlas page.

The map

John Speed (1551/1552–1629) was the most famous English mapmaker of his time. His world map, A New and Accurate Map of the World, appeared in 1627 in his atlas A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World. It is one of the earliest world maps printed in England, and one of the first to show California as an island, a mistake that would last on maps for more than a century.

• Cartographer: John Speed (1551/1552–1629)
• Date: 1627
• Technique: engraving, coloured

Your print

• Restored from a high-definition scan of the original map
• Printed on high-quality paper, in one size: 34 × 26 inches (about 86 × 66 cm)
• Free shipping, no minimum order. Carefully packed and protected

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