The complete works of mapmaker John Speed come up at Sotheby’s in London on May 9. Dating to the 17th century the collection includes the first detailed map to show the provinces of Ireland, the first set of county maps and the first comprehensive set of English town plans. The 96 hand coloured maps are expected to realised £100,000-150,000 at Sotheby’s sale of Travel, Atlases, Maps and Natural History. Speeds The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain was first published in 1612. His Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World was first produced in 1627.
At the same sale two rare wall maps of Australia and Asia by Joan Blaeu (1596-1673) rediscovered in a private residence in Italy are together expected to make more than £250,000. Blaeu was cartographer to the Dutch East India Company.