Double-Hemisphere World Map
This ornate double-hemisphere world map comes from Philip’s Handy-Volume Atlas of the British Empire, published in 1887 by G. Philip & Son.
The design is full of late Victorian detail. The two hemispheres are surrounded by allegorical figures, decorative borders and imperial heraldry, creating a map that was meant to be admired as much as read. It presents the British Empire not simply as scattered territories, but as a global system with Britain at its centre.
That is what makes the plate so striking. It belongs to a period when maps were not neutral objects. They were tools of education, pride, persuasion and identity. This one captures the confidence and visual language of Victorian imperial cartography at its height.
We chose this piece because it has the qualities we look for in a historic map: strong visual impact, genuine historical context and enough detail to reward close looking.
Restoration and Print
We have restored this plate from the original British Library source, preserving the fine linework, typography, decorative detail and tonal balance of the original.
The restoration is deliberately careful. We reduce visible blemishes and age-related marks, but we do not want to erase the character of the map. The aim is to make the artwork clean enough for modern display while keeping the feel of a nineteenth-century atlas plate.
Each print is produced on 250gsm Master's Edition archival paper. The paper is matte, uncoated and naturally off-white, which works especially well with older cartographic material. It is acid-free, FSC-certified and has a premium weight and thickness that gives the print a more substantial feel than ordinary poster paper.
This is a restored historic map print made for people who care about both the artwork and the history behind it.
Work Details
Work: Philip’s Handy-Volume Atlas of the British Empire
Plate: I
Publisher: G. Philip & Son
Place: London and Liverpool
Date: 1887
Source: British Library, Maps 1.a.45, Plate I
Restoration: Digital restoration from archival source
Print: 250gsm Master's Edition archival matte paper, natural off-white, acid-free and FSC-certified
