By Isobel Curwen, Heritage Research Supervisor
As part of our work in the heritage research, we spend some of our time visiting various historical archives up and down the country to look at historical maps and documents covering an array of locations. These maps can vary in date, size and condition and include early tithe and enclosure (sometimes inclosure) maps, to maps produced by the Ordnance Survey.
Whilst looking at these maps we’ve noticed that some of the earlier maps are highly decorative with symbols and illustrations so being the curious sort of people we are we thought we’d delve into what these are and why they’re used.
These decorative emblems are referred to as cartouches and commonly frame map titles and other information about the map itself. Cartouches were first thought to be used on Italian cartography during the 16th century and originated due to the fact that the colour applied by hand to maps engraved on copper plates obscured the fine lines of the engraver. Therefore, cartouches were introduced to aid the decorative character of the map without detracting from its geographical intricacies (Garfield, 2012; Adams et al, 1975). Often containing cursive handwriting, cartouches can be iconographic, descriptive, and ornate, and have often been observed for their symbolism, social commentary and artistic beauty.
One example we have recently discovered is on the Survey of the County of Kent, engraved and published by Jonathon Andrews, Andrew Dury, and William Herbert in 1768. In this example, the cartouche is very large and shows the Royal Coat of Arms in the centre.
Another cartographer, famous for his heavily stylised maps, is John Speed. Speed’s maps are highly decorative and often include drawings of cherubs, coats of arms, and separate plans of major cities. In this plan of the British Isles, London and Edinburgh are drawn as separate illustrations and the map is adorned with a myriad of decorative detail including some rather ominous looking sea creatures in the English Channel!
In another recent archive trip we also came across this lovely seal on the Dartford Bignores Estate Enclosure, awarded in 1877. Enclosure maps, and their associated Enclosure Awards, were produced as a result of the Parliamentary Enclosure Acts which became common from 1750. Such seals on Enclosure Awards and maps testify to the accuracy and quality of the map, as determined by Enclosure Commissioners.
As we’ve observed, decorative embellishment was often used on early maps partly to give character to the map but also to provide awareness into the social commentary of the period. They also give us an insight into the mind of the map-maker! As such, some early maps are highly colourful and descriptive, and, although may not be hugely accurate, are certainly works of art in their own right!
Map images used with permission from Kent History and Library Centre
References
Adams, I, H., et al, 1975, Cartouches, Imago Mundi – The International Journal for the History of Cartography, Vol 27: 1
Garfield, S., 2012, Welcome to Amerigo (p. 103-125), In: On the Map – Why the World looks the way it does, London, Profile Books Ltd