Rare Old Map of Sweden and Norway by Tallis & Rapkin, 1855: Stockholm, Christiania, Laplanders, Iron Mines, Peasantry

The "Sweden and Norway" map, created by the illustrious John Tallis in 1855, is a breathtaking example of 19th-century cartographic artistry. Tallis, renowned for his highly decorative maps, has imbued this piece with intricate details and vibrant full-color illustrations. The map not only delineates the political boundaries of Sweden and Norway but also captures the essence of the regions through exquisite vignettes. These illustrations depict significant cultural and social scenes, such as Norwegian Laplanders, iron mines in Dannemora Upsala, and the traditional peasantry of both nations, offering a rich tapestry of historical context.

John Tallis was one of the last great decorative mapmakers, and his works are celebrated for their artistic quality and historical significance. This map, engraved for R. Montgomery Martin's Illustrated Atlas, is a testament to Tallis's meticulous craftsmanship and his ability to blend geographical precision with artistic beauty. The inclusion of vignettes showing Stockholm, Norwegian skielobere or skate runners, and peasants of Sweden adds a layer of cultural depth, making this map not just a navigational tool but a window into the mid-19th-century Scandinavian life.

The map's geographical details are equally compelling. It features the rugged Scandinavian Mountains, the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, and the serene waters of the Baltic Sea. The political boundaries are meticulously drawn, showcasing the distinct territories of Sweden and Norway. The map also highlights significant bodies of water such as the Skagerrak strait, adding to its navigational utility. The depiction of Oslo as "Christiania" is particularly noteworthy, reflecting historical naming conventions before the city's official renaming in 1925.

The cities and towns detailed on this map provide a fascinating glimpse into the urban landscape of the time. Major Swedish cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö are prominently featured, alongside important Norwegian settlements such as Christiania (Oslo), Bergen, and Trondheim. These urban centers, each with their unique historical and cultural significance, are intricately mapped, offering insights into the region's development and urbanization during the 19th century.

This map's design and style are quintessentially Tallis, with its ornate borders and finely engraved details. The decorative elements, combined with the precise geographical information, make this map a prized possession for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. The historical significance of the map is further enhanced by its depiction of traditional activities and indigenous scenes, providing a rich narrative of the Scandinavian cultural landscape. This map is not just a representation of geography but a piece of history, capturing the essence of Sweden and Norway in a bygone era.

Cities and towns on this map

• Sweden:
• Stockholm
• Gothenburg (Göteborg)
• Malmö
• Uppsala
• Helsingborg
• Norrköping
• Västerås
• Örebro
• Linköping

• Jönköping

• Norway:

• Christiania (Oslo)
• Bergen
• Trondheim (Trondhjem)
• Stavanger

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• Stockholm
• Norwegian Laplanders
• Iron mines in Dannemora Upsala
• Norwegian peasantry
• Norwegian skielobere or skate runners
• Peasants of Sweden
• Bodies of water:
• Atlantic Ocean
• Baltic Sea
• Skagerrak
• Borders:
• Political boundaries between Sweden and Norway
• Mountains:
• Scandinavian Mountains (Scandes)

Historical and design context

• Full-color example: The map is a gorgeous full-color example.
• Decorative vignettes: Includes decorative vignettes showing:
• Stockholm
• Norwegian Laplanders
• Iron mines in Dannemora Upsala
• Norwegian peasantry
• Norwegian skielobere or skate runners
• Peasants of Sweden
• Significance of skiing vignette: The vignette showing skiing is of particular significance.
• Oslo's historical name: Oslo is labeled as "Christiania"; it wouldn't officially be renamed Oslo until 1925.
• Illustrated Atlas: Engraved for R. Montgomery Martin's Illustrated Atlas.
• Mapmaker: John Tallis was one of the last great decorative map makers. His maps are prized for the wonderful vignettes of indigenous scenes, people, etc.
• Date of creation: 1855
• Design or style of the map:
• Decorative elements: The map is highly decorative with intricate border designs and detailed vignettes.
• Engraving style: It features an engraving style typical of the mid-19th century.
• Historical significance or context:
• The map provides a snapshot of Sweden and Norway in the mid-19th century, offering insights into the geographical and cultural landscape of the time.
• The depiction of Oslo as "Christiania" reflects historical naming conventions prior to the city's official renaming in 1925.
• The inclusion of vignettes highlights the cultural and social aspects of the regions, adding depth to the historical understanding of the area.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map 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 unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps 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.