British Isles Geology & Fossil Map 1854 – A.K. Johnston & Edward Forbes

This unusual map shows the geological and palaeontological regions of the entire British Isles, covering England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, as recorded in 1854. It was engraved by A.K. Johnston from the notes and research of the naturalist Edward Forbes. Forbes, who was born on the Isle of Man, died in the year the map was issued, which makes it one of the last works to carry his name.

A full-colour, highly detailed geological map of the United Kingdom from the 1850s is a genuine rarity, and the level of detail across the British Isles is remarkable. Each band of colour marks a different age of rock, and the map records where the fossils of each period are found. The original map was dissected into twelve sections, mounted on linen, and folded into a leather-bound book.

This would make a thoughtful gift for anyone with an interest in geology or palaeontology. Like every print in the collection, it is printed on matte paper, ships unframed and is available in a range of sizes, from a compact study print to a large statement piece.