Langley's New Map of Carnarvonshire
Antique engraved map on paper, framed and matted • Published by Langley & Belch (Printed and Published by Langley & Belch, No. 371 High Street, Borough, London)
Style & Movement
British Cartography, Regency period geographical illustration
Medium & Technique
Hand-colored copperplate engraving with watercolor wash on laid or wove paper
Creation Period
Early 19th Century, circa 1805-1820
Dimensions & Format
Horizontal rectangular format; map plate approximately 7 x 9 inches, framed dimensions approximately 14 x 16 inches
Subject Description
Geographical map of Carnarvonshire (Caernarfonshire) in Wales, featuring detailed county boundaries, towns, topography, an ornamental cartouche or vignette of a prominent local castle (likely Caernarfon Castle), compass rose, and explanatory legend
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition overall considering age; paper shows expected mild toning and light foxing, hand-coloring remains relatively vibrant
Estimated Market Value
100-250 USD
Auction Estimate
80-150 USD
Provenance History
Acquired from the British antique print and map trade, likely originating from a pocket atlas or county topography series published by Langley & Belch during the early 1800s
Art Historical Significance
Representative example of early 19th-century British county map production aimed at the expanding domestic travel and educational market, notable for incorporating picturesque vignettes of local antiquities alongside standard cartographic data
Notable Features
Includes publisher imprint at the lower right corner, a detailed vignette illustration of a Welsh castle in the lower left, and original hand-tinted border outlines
Condition Issues
Minor age-related paper discoloration, light acid burn from the mat board surrounding the map area, and possible fading of watercolor highlights
Conservation Recommendations
Display away from direct sunlight, maintain stable relative humidity between 45-55%, and consider re-matting with acid-free archival materials if further framing intervention is desired