Rare Old Map of New South Wales by Arrowsmith, 1845: Sydney, Newcastle, Rivers, Roads, Counties

Step into the captivating world of mid-19th century cartography with the "Map of New South Wales," crafted by the esteemed Aaron Jr Arrowsmith in 1845. This exquisite map, a testament to the Arrowsmith family's legacy, showcases the geographical and administrative intricacies of New South Wales during a time of exploration and expansion. Hand-colored with precision, the map delineates counties with vibrant outlines, offering a window into the region's past. The dedication to the elder Arrowsmith, a pioneer in cartography, adds a layer of historical depth, connecting the viewer to a lineage of mapmaking excellence.

The map's design is a harmonious blend of aesthetic beauty and informative detail. Rivers meander through the landscape, roads connect burgeoning settlements, and hachures artfully represent the region's varied relief. The use of Greenwich as the prime meridian reflects the global perspective of the time, while the inset globe provides a broader context. Each element is meticulously crafted, offering both a visual delight and a rich source of historical information, making it a perfect addition to any collection of fine maps.

In terms of geographical coverage, this map offers a detailed exploration of New South Wales, capturing the essence of its natural and human-made features. From the bustling city of Sydney to the industrious Newcastle, the map charts the growth of settlements that have since evolved into major urban centers. It also highlights the intricate network of rivers and roads that facilitated trade and communication, painting a vivid picture of a region on the cusp of modernity. This map serves as a fascinating snapshot of a transformative period in Australian history.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its geographical detail. It reflects the changes and developments that occurred over 25 years since the first edition of the atlas in which it was featured. As part of the second edition, it incorporates updates and insights gained from years of exploration and settlement. The map is not just a tool for navigation but a document of historical progress, capturing the dynamic evolution of New South Wales in the 19th century.

Aaron Jr Arrowsmith's work is a tribute to the art and science of cartography. His dedication to accuracy and beauty is evident in every line and color choice. This map is more than a representation of land; it is a narrative of exploration, a celebration of geographical knowledge, and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Arrowsmith family. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history, beautifully preserved and rich with stories of the past.

Cities and towns on this map

• Sydney
• Newcastle
• Wollongong
• Maitland
• Bathurst
• Goulburn
• Armidale
• Port Macquarie
• Queanbeyan
• Yass
• Windsor
• Parramatta

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Counties: Clearly delineated with reference list.
• Rivers: Several rivers are labeled and detailed.
• Roads: Key roads connecting various regions are marked.
• Relief representation: Hachures indicate topographical features.
• Prime meridian: Marked using Greenwich.
• Inset globe: Provides a global context.
• Reference list: Counties are listed for easy identification.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1845
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Aaron Jr Arrowsmith
• Hand-colored: Aesthetic appeal with informative value.
• Atlas edition: Part of the second edition of an atlas first published in 1825.
• Binding: Half leather with brown cloth-covered boards, titled "Arrowsmith's New Atlas."
• Historical significance: Reflects geographical and administrative knowledge of New South Wales in the mid-19th century.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.