Original Early 19th Century Pigot and Co. Map of Hampshire & Isle of Wight – c.1830–1831

Original Early 19th Century Pigot & Co. Map of Hampshire & Isle of Wight – c.1830–1831


A very attractive original antique steel-engraved county map of Hampshire, including the Isle of Wight, published by James Pigot & Co., dating to approximately 1830–1831.


The map was produced for Pigot & Co.’s British Atlas of the Counties of England, one of the notable early 19th-century county atlases. Contemporary examples of this Hampshire map are recorded as hand-coloured steel engravings, with the first complete atlas edition appearing around 1830.


The upper-right corner features a particularly attractive engraved vignette of Winchester Cathedral, while the map itself is exceptionally detailed, showing towns, villages, roads, rivers, canals, county divisions and other geographical features.


The lower section includes a “Reference to the Hundreds”, scale and explanation of the various symbols used on the map.


The original publisher’s imprint can still be seen beneath the map:


“Published by Pigot & Co. 17 Basing Lane London & 18 Fountain St. Manchester.”


It is also marked “Engraved on Steel by Pigot & Son Manchester.”


The use of steel engraving is interesting in itself. Pigot’s British Atlas county maps were amongst the early maps to take advantage of the greater durability of steel plates compared with traditional copper engraving.


The map has attractive original hand colouring, particularly to the county boundaries and waterways.


Professionally presented in a substantial wooden frame with gilt inner detailing and a wide neutral mount. The framing label on the reverse is from Arundel Framing Workshop.


Approximate age: c.1830–1831 – around 195 years old.


There is some uneven lighter colouring/toning to an area of the map, creating a paler patch. This is consistent with age and previous display, and is clearly shown in the photographs.


A lovely decorative and genuinely historic piece, particularly appealing to collectors of Hampshire, Winchester, Isle of Wight, antique maps and early British cartography.


Frame measures approx 42cm x 57cm