Rare Old Map of Oxford by Sayer, 1949: University of Oxford, St. John's, Ashmolean Museum, River Cherwell, Broad Walk

"Oxford," a map originally published in 1949 by J.P Sayer, is a captivating piece that invites viewers to explore the illustrious city of Oxford. This city map is a thematic and pictorial representation of the city, offering a unique perspective of Oxford's historical and cultural landscape. Notably, it is a pictorial poster map that was once used by British Railways to promote rail travel, a testament to the map's historical significance and its role in shaping travel and tourism in the mid-20th century. The map is rich in detail, covering the area from St. John's and the Ashmolean at the left edge to the River Cherwell and Broad Walk at the right edge, and from Balliol Cricket Ground and Manchester College to Magdalen at the upper edge and from Worcester to Campion Hall at the lower edge.

One of the most striking features of this map is its focus on the University of Oxford. Each of the colleges is marked with small black and white vignette images of the buildings, offering a fascinating visual tour of one of the world's most prestigious educational institutions. The map also provides a listing of four Women's Colleges which are noted as being outside the area of the map, offering a glimpse into the evolution of women's education during this period. This feature alone makes the map a valuable resource for those interested in the history of education and the development of Oxford as a global center of learning.

Beyond its educational focus, the map also offers detailed illustrations of major landmarks, bringing the city's architectural heritage to life. These vignettes depict figures in period costumes, adding a layer of historical context to the map and providing a snapshot of life in Oxford during the mid-20th century. From the historic colleges to the iconic landmarks, the map serves as a visual narrative of Oxford's storied past, making it a must-have for history enthusiasts and map collectors alike.

The map's thematic and pictorial style is a testament to the artistic prowess of J.P Sayer, an English artist and graphic designer. His attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of Oxford in this map is truly remarkable. The inclusion of inset text further enriches the map, providing additional context and information for viewers. Whether you're an admirer of historic maps, a student of history, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, this map of Oxford is sure to captivate and inspire. Its historical significance, combined with its artistic and educational value, makes it a truly unique piece.

• Neighbourhoods:
• St. John's
• Ashmolean
• River Cherwell
• Broad Walk
• Balliol Cricket Ground
• Manchester College
• Magdalen
• Worcester

• Campion Hall

• Major Streets:

• Broad Street
• High Street
• Parks Road
• St. Aldate's

• Magdalen Street

• Major Parks:

• University Parks

• Christ Church Meadow

• Historic Landmarks:

• University of Oxford
• Radcliffe Camera
• Sheldonian Theatre
• Bodleian Library
• Bridge of Sighs
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Carfax Tower

• Magdalen College Tower

• Historical Events:

• The founding of the University of Oxford
• The establishment of various colleges within the University
• The development of the British Railways
• The evolution of women's education with the listing of four Women's Colleges
• The depiction of figures in period costumes, illustrating Oxford's storied history

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.