1787 Boulton / Sayer Wall Map of Africa
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Description: This is most likely the most important map of Africa produced in the 18th century. Printed at the height of the slave trade in 1787 by the Robert Sayer firm of London, England. Largely based upon the earlier D’Anville map, this map has been enlarged and expanded by Samuel Boulton. Depicts the continent in full with insets of the Gold Coast (or Ivory Coast, or Guinea). This map is unique in that it is a serious attempt to compile all of the accurate scientific knowledge of the African continent available at the time. In contrast to may other cartographers of the period there almost no attempt to fill the “unknown” regions of the interior with fictitious beasts, kingdoms, and geological features. Boulton himself advertises “The inland parts of Africa being but very little known and the names of the regions and countries which fill that vast tract of land being for the greatest part placed by conjecture it may be judged how absurd are the divisions traced in some maps and why they are not followed in this." Despite this, this map actually does provide a wealth of information both in the form of a gazetteer printed in framed text boxes here and there on the map, as well as political and geographical features. An altogether extraordinary map and a must have for any serious Africa collection. Dated 6, January 1787.
Source: Hand Color
References: Tooley, Maps of Africa (Map collectors circle no.47), p. 4; P4300.
Cartographer: Robert Sayer (1725 – 1794) and John Bennett (active: 1770-1784) were an important English map and print publishing duo of the mid to late 18th century. It all began in 1747 Sayer acquired the firm of Philip Overton from his sister-in-law, Mary Overton. From his London office on 55 Fleet St., Sayer started in the map business by republishing the Overton stock while acquiring and expanding the business with plates from other printers – including maps, portraits, and nautical engravings. Sayer partnered with Bennett sometime in the late 1760s. They published numerous works by many cartographers including Kitchen, Jefferys, Belling, d’Anville and others. Upon Sayer’s death, after nearly 50 years in the map trade, the firm was acquired by Laurie and Whittle, who would continue to republish revised and updated editions of his work for many years to come.
Size: Printed area measures 41 x 48 inches (104.14 x 121.92 centimeters)
Condition: Very good condition. Four sheets professionally flattened, joined and backed with linen. Original color.
Code: Africa-boulton-1872 (Necessary for phone orders : 646-320-8650)
Framing: We offer optional framing services. Unfortunately, due to shipping restrictions this map is too large for us to frame. This optional service is in addition to the cost of the map itself. Conservation framing is an excellent way to beautify and protect your antique map. Click here to read about our framing services and see our frame samples. To order framing, please call our customer service number.
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