Imperial Federation, Map of the World showing the Extent of the British Empire in 1886, from the Original, Framed Art Print

Public domain art from the Cornell University Library, digitally enhanced.

Original dimensions: 58 cm x 77 cm.

The Imperial Federation League map was published at the time of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in South Kensington, London, 1886, "a showcase for the wealth and industrial development of the British Empire." It is "dated just before the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 1887," and "reflects the celebratory consciousness of Victoria’s Empire" (source: Pippa Biltcliffe, 2006)

It has been called "the perfect symbol of the state" (source: Mark Monmonier, 1991). In many ways it is the quintessentially imperial map. It encapsulates the culture of high Victorian imperialism in a single iconic image.

But further analysis suggests a more complex picture. Although the map cites the author of its statistical data, it does not name the mapmaker. As a result of an outstanding recent paper, we now know that the map was prepared by a well-regarded illustrator of the time, Walter Crane (1845-1915), a leader of the British Arts and Crafts Movement. The work matches his characteristic style, and the lower left corner of the map bears his tiny mark: a crane and the initials 'WC'.

The failure to credit Crane was no doubt a result of his politics: he was "a leading figure in the socialist movement and for years contributed weekly cartoons to the leading socialist movement periodicals. But looking at the inscriptions at the top of the map, it's possible to discern how Crane had the last word.

Place great art for your interior decor with this durable wood-framed poster. Frame comes in black or white and is available in seven versatile sizes.

.: Museum-quality custom frames
.: Matte premium paper
.: Plexiglass front
.: For indoor use
.: Multiple sizes