To collectors of maps, the name Tallis is a venerable one. It is associated with a pinnacle in decorative cartography world-wide. The maps he produced represent the end of and era in the production of grand decorative atlases. The Tallis trademark is the use of small vignettes, or illustrations depicting foreign scenes which are sensitively arranged within the cartography. Tallis maps supplied the great desire for foreign exotica that was in demand in the mid Victorian Period. The original cartography was both drawn and engraved by John Rapkin.  Tallis & Company employed various artists throughout the years to execute their trademark vignettes.   The choice of images for each Colony was dictated by the values of the Victorian era-whilst there was a penchant for the exotic amongst Europeans and Britons, a completely ‘un-tamed’ land was not acceptable to their tastes. The images of Kangaroos and natives satisfied the exotic element but there were always the signs of European civilization, like the view looking north from the River Torrens and church in the foreground. This produced a mix that served as a tempting invitation to a would be emigrant.

 Conservation Limited Edition Giclee /300