Morden's Map of the Kingdom of Ireland from circa 1695 (Original map size)

This is a high quality reproduction from a rare and original engraved copy of Robert Morden's 1695 map 'The Kingdom of Ireland'. Morden (c. 1650 – 1703) was an English bookseller, publisher, and mapmaker, globemaker and engraver. He was among the first successful commercial map makers however, like many eminent English cartographers of the age and before him, it seems unlikely that he ever set foot in Ireland.

 Between about 1675 and his death in 1703, he was based under the sign of the Atlas at premises in London. His cartographical output was large and varied. His best-known maps are those of South Wales, North Wales, Scotland and the English Counties in 1695.These maps were based on new information from gentlemen of each region and were newly engraved. Each had a decorated cartouche, and showed numerous place names. The exact year for publication of this Irish map is unknown but assumed to also be circa 1695. In 1701 Morden also produced in a series of smaller English county maps often known as Miniature Mordens.

His (fourth edition) of Geography Rectified is a comprehensive work from many aspects. It has more than 700 pages, including a long pedagogic preface, no fewer than 78 maps from Europe including the British Isles, Asia, Africa, America and a two circular maps of the world, representing planet Earth seen from exactly opposite sides – the known world as of its time.

He is known for several very rare early maps of the British colonies in North America, which are now among the earliest and most sought-after maps for collectors of old American maps. He also produced a series of miniature maps of the world, which appeared in both playing-card format and in a series of atlases, including his Atlas Terrestris and Geography Anatomiz'd, beginning in 1687.

Morden was a member of the guild The Worshipful Company of Weavers. He was an apprentice of Joseph Moxon, hydrographer to Charles II. Apprentices who trained under Morden include Mary Ward in 1674, Philip Lea in 1675 and Margaret Wearg in 1675.

This colour map is reproduced on high quality water colour paper and mounted beautifully on a pine green mottled suede background. There are two choices of our favourite wood frame finishes with slightly different dimenensions and weights,  gold leaf antique style or with an ornate gold finish. As can be seen from the close-up detail pictures inset below, this is a wonderful reproduction of a beautiful map, in all its fine detail indistinguishable from the original, and  will give endless pleasure to its owner.