The "Story Map of Scotland," crafted by Colortext Publications in 1935, is a captivating blend of artistry and historical narrative. This pictorial map is a treasure trove of Scottish heritage, capturing the essence of the nation's storied past through vivid illustrations and detailed vignettes. Colortext Publications, renowned for their educational and illustrative maps, have meticulously designed this piece to offer both visual delight and historical insight. The map is adorned with portraits of significant historical figures, such as Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie, bringing to life the tales of Scotland's tumultuous history.
The map's borders are decorated with intricate illustrations of tartans, representing the rich cultural tapestry of Scotland's clans. These decorative elements not only enhance the map's aesthetic appeal but also serve as a tribute to the country's enduring traditions. The inclusion of various modes of transportation, animals, and other pictorial elements provides a comprehensive view of Scotland's diverse landscape and cultural heritage. Each vignette is carefully placed to offer a glimpse into the life and times of Scotland in the early 20th century.
Geographically, the map covers the entirety of Scotland, from the bustling cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to the serene landscapes of the Highlands and Islands. Notable bodies of water such as the North Minch, Moray Firth, and the Atlantic Ocean are prominently featured, along with the iconic Firth of Forth. The map also highlights significant mountain ranges and peaks, showcasing Scotland's rugged and majestic terrain. These natural features are beautifully illustrated, adding depth and dimension to the map's overall design.
Historically, the map serves as an educational tool, providing insights into Scotland's past through its detailed illustrations and annotations. The inclusion of landmarks, such as castles and battle sites, offers a window into the events that have shaped the nation's history. The map's creators have skillfully combined artistic elements with historical accuracy, making it a valuable resource for both history enthusiasts and collectors. Each element on the map is thoughtfully placed to tell the story of Scotland's rich and varied past.
The "Story Map of Scotland" is not just a map; it is a journey through time, capturing the essence of a nation known for its resilience and cultural richness. The map's design and content reflect the dedication of Colortext Publications to preserving and celebrating Scotland's heritage. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of cartography, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, this map offers a unique and enriching experience. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Scotland and the artistry of its creators.
Cities and towns on this map
- Scotland:
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Aberdeen
- Dundee
- Inverness
- Stirling
- Perth
- Ayr
- Dumfries
- Elgin
- Oban
- St. Andrews
- Fort William
- Kirkwall
- Wick
- Dornoch
- Jedburgh
- Melrose
- Dunfermline
- Falkirk
- Greenock
- Kilmarnock
- Paisley
- Stornoway
- Lerwick
- Campbeltown
- Thurso
- Tobermory
- Portree
- Stranraer
- Hawick
- Peebles
- Selkirk
- Dingwall
- Forres
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Illustrations:
- Dozens of vignettes including portraits, animals, modes of transportation, and historical events.
- Portraits of Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
- Borders:
- Decorative borders featuring illustrations of tartans.
- Bodies of water:
- North Minch
- Moray Firth
- Atlantic Ocean
- Firth of Forth
- Pentland Firth
- Mountains:
- Various mountain ranges and peaks illustrated throughout Scotland.
- Other notable features:
- Compass rose in the lower left corner.
- Coat of arms near the title.
- Various ships depicted in surrounding waters.
Historical and design context
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Creation date: 1935
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Mapmaker/Publisher: Colortext Publications
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Interesting context about the mapmaker: Colortext Publications was known for producing illustrative and educational maps during the early 20th century, often with a focus on historical and cultural themes.
- Topics and themes:
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Pictorial elements: The map includes dozens of vignettes such as portraits, animals, modes of transportation, and more.
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Historical figures: Features portraits of notable individuals like Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
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Cultural elements: Illustrated tartans in the margins, representing different Scottish clans.
- Design and style:
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Pictorial and thematic: The map is richly illustrated with vignettes and tartans, making it both informative and visually appealing.
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Decorative borders: The margins feature illustrations of tartans, adding a cultural and decorative element to the map.
- Historical significance:
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Cultural representation: The map captures the cultural and historical essence of Scotland in the early 20th century.
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Educational value: Serves as an educational tool to understand Scotland's history, geography, and cultural heritage.
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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
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.