Palaeontological Map of the British Islands by A. K. Johnston & E. Forbes, published by William Blackwood & Sons 1848 art print poster canvas gift

"Palaeontological Map of the British Islands by A. K. Johnston F.R.G.S. From the Sketches & Notes of Professor Edward Forbes F.R.S. of King's College , London."

A spectacular engraved and hand-coloured Victorian palaeontological geological map with numerous numbered explanations, detailed statistical information and beautiful illustrations of dinosaurs, fossils, and ammonite shells. Published by William Blackwood & Sons in 1854, Edinburgh & London.

Alexander Keith Johnston (1804 - 1871) was a Scottish geographer and cartographer. His initial interest to geography was inspired by inaccuracy of maps Johnston used in his early years hiking in West Highlands. After graduating from University of Edinburgh he joined his brother in printing business "W. & A. K. Johnston" which used the clan motto "Ready Aye Ready" as their logo. The rest of Johnston's life was devoted to geography and map making. Among other works, Johnston created the first English language physical globe of the world, and an atlas of military geography to accompany Alison's History of Europe, first published in 1848. The company W & A K Johnston were appointed engravers to King William IV and Johnston was later elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Edward Forbes (1815-1854) was a prominent Victorian naturalist, geologist and palaeontologist. Initially interested in drawing and medicine, Forbes later studied natural history, geology and mineralogy. His first work on molluscs was published in 1838. In 1844, Forbes was appointed palaeontologist to the Geological Survey of Great Britain, and in 1853 he became president of the Geological Society of London. From 1854, Edward Forbes was appointed professor of natural history at the University of Edinburgh. Mount Forbes in Alberta, Canada, is named after him by J. Hector, his former student at the University of Edinburgh.

William Blackwood & Sons was a Scottish publishing house and printer founded by William Blackwood in 1804, in Edinburgh. Started as a modest shop selling old books, the company later became one of the major British publishers. The company's London base was badly damaged during the Battle of Britain, when fire destroyed millions of books. The business went in decline after the war and finally closed in 1980.

This poster is a high quality "giclée" reproduction of a restored antique original, custom-printed on Standard Single-weight Matt Coated art paper 140gsm or  Heavyweight Matt Coated art paper 230gsm (more of a thin card density), or superb Epson Matt Canvas 320gsm, according to your choice. We use the latest UltraChromeHDX pigment inks which guarantee 60 years of colour  permanence (up to 200 years fade-proof for colour prints).  This poster is suitable for mounting and framing, as well as direct display on a wall.