Friday 7 October 2011

Old maps

I'm developing a thing for old maps ever since I saw my friend Leanne's world map in her kitchen.

And then I remembered at my parents' place, they have a collection of those old National Geographic Magazine maps. Their collection of magazines date back to the 1920s and I think they even collected Time Magazine. Serious hoarder disorder there.

I don't think they are worth very much but I'm thinking the maps might be useful to frame (and then perhaps sell them for an exorbitant price...)

Like this example:

image from here
Desire to Inspire also featured an online shop called Empirical Style which is owned by one of the finalists from Australia's Top Design. They sell vintage school maps among other funky goodies.

Image from here
I'm loving the whole map look at the moment.

What do you think? Do you think I should raid my parents' collection and help them to declutter a bit? What continent should I pick?

26 comments:

  1. Yes - you should definately help your parents declutter and take some maps. Did you see the great map coffee table at the Style Hive this week? You will definately find a clever way to use them.
    Cheers
    Kylie

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  2. Funny..in my cleaning episode last weekend I discovered several old atlases and thought they may make wonderful greeting cards and pics..maps are on my mind too!

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  3. I think you should definately assist your folks by tidying up for them and if you happen to make some money along the way...., Winners all round! xx

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  4. Definitely raid their collection!!! it's funny because I was looking online for vintage maps of Australia the other day too - have a spot I'd love to put a huge framed one. I think a set of framed smaller ones could look really effective too. Enjoy your day x

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  5. Raid away.They are great for lining drawers and covering tables too.Go as and africa and those great shaped countries.

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  6. I love old maps from any country and with them hanging around the house the boys may learn something??? lol x Jode

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  7. Oh please, please go and scrounge and then show and tell. I'll be waiting:)

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  8. Maps were huge at the January design show in Toronto...maps on wallpaper, and pillows....

    Love that one in your top photo.

    Chania

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  9. My favourites are the countries that no longer exist. We have an old canvas school map under the house that needs to be rehung as it is torn and forlorn. Thanks for reminding me!

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  10. I have always loved maps. Go for it!

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  11. Love those roll down world maps, but framed are also great and way more practical. Any continent, but I'm leaning towards deepest darkest Africa.

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  12. I wonder if they've got anything showing the Soviet Union before its downfall?

    Or a Mid-Century map of Australia?

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  13. Hello Miss Silk Purse

    I do love love love old and new maps - I love them on the wall and in craft.

    thanks for bringing them to my attention again

    have a wonderful day (any rain for the weekend to stop the painting?)

    x Loulou

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  14. It is your sacred duty to help your parents declutter, and to liberate maps. Go forth.

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  15. Go on..help them declutter....they will love you for it ...and make a little cash ;)

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  16. I have some maps from 1880 that show a very different Europe! They have a lot of weird countries on them. I just popped them in Ikea Ribba frames and they look great.

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  17. Careful Bris - it could turn into an obsession like me and candlesticks. There is a shop here which sells old maps to collectors, and some of them date back to about 1500. They're quite expensive...

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  18. That's what Kristen and I would call a "no brainer". Free is always an easy choice! They would look great in the boy's room. i wonder if your Mum has something with French instead of English, that would be cool. xx

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  19. I have old map love too- especially the multicoloured ones of Australia. you must raid the stash and we cannot wait to see. melx

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  20. I have old map love too- especially the multicoloured ones of Australia. you must raid the stash and we cannot wait to see. melx

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  21. As old maps appear to be in vogue, I'm wondering, Anita, whether someone such as yourself on the front-line of international design should raise the bar and display something such as a poster of the internal anatomy of the shark instead?

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  22. I also love vintage maps as art. Raid the stash!!!

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  23. Raid away and multiply your maps. Just in time for Christmas pressies if you get your retro skates on! x

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  24. As a cartographer I have to say I love this idea! My home is filled with old maps, travel books, atlases and antique tin globes.

    Also- we have just bought a Queenslander decked out in VJ walls in Bulimba. I will post pics when we move in 1 month.

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  25. That's it. I'm off on a raid tomorrow after such good encouragement.

    Ross, can't wait to see and read about your VJs. xx

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  26. You should definatly help your parents de-clutter.
    I have a 'thing' for old maps too.
    Sarah x
    thanks for entering the giveaway:)

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