r/oldmaps • u/Wafer_Middle • 24d ago

John Speed Map of Norfolk c. 1610-12 - Does anyone know if this map was ever published exactly as is, but without colour?

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u/abousamaha 24d ago

It was probably published black and white originally and then hand coloured for more wealthy buyers, like landowners, merchants and nobles.

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u/Wafer_Middle 24d ago

That makes sense, thanks for the reply.

I found a copy of this map on top of a cupboard while cleaning out a deceased relatives house. Unfortunately it's in quite rough shape, folded over a few times and has dried out and split on the folds.

Not sure if it's genuine or a modern reprint, either way it looks very old. When shining a light through it, it doesn't have any of the "weave" pattern that old paper, or modern paper has. It kind of looks like if you put a light behind a potato chip (crisp for those in the UK)... Will post pictures when I get the chance

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u/abousamaha 24d ago

that’s a cool find while cleaning.

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u/BigGoofyTay18 24d ago

All Speed maps were published without color at first.