Original Pratts Road Map 1930.

Item Ref
pratts

Pratts High Test Plan of Watling Street and Principal Roads from Dover to Holyhead.
This attractive highly collectable vintage map shows the route of the old Roman road of Watling Street "A.E. Taylor" printed at lower left corner and published in 1932.
Alfred Edward Taylor was commissioned to create a series of maps of the United Kingdom and Ireland to encourage people to drive around the country, preferably using the premium petrol and oil...Pratt's High Test.
In many cases these towns and villages are accompanied by a beautiful little illustration of the town's high street or other notable landmark.

Taylor designed many decorative maps for Pratts Oil (which became Esso), clearly acknowledging an inspiration of historic road, itinerary strip and route maps such as those by John Ogilby and earlier. It is a bright and colourful depiction of the route that features a decorative cartouche and compass, literary quotes and pictographs of places of interest. Copies are held by the National Trust (UK) and Norman B. Leventhal Map Center (USA), the Victoria and Albert Museum, and many other significant collections because of it wide appeal and decorative form.
Dotted across the maps are amusing observations and literary phrases... the whole thing has great charm.

SIZE: 34.75 x 22.5 x 1 inches framed.
CONDITION: Excellent, two or three scuffs or slight tears which can be seen on the images. PLEASE NOTE THAT WHAT APPEARS TO BE AREAS OF DISCOLOURATION OF THE MAP ARE ACTUALLY MY SHADOW REFLECTED IN THE GLASS.
PROVENANCE: One family since new.
SOLD