forwarded from lis-maps
-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Sheldon Tapestry Map now on exhibit
Date:   Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:33:12 -0000
From:   Nick Millea <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To:       maps-l
To:



In June 2007, the Bodleian Library acquired at auction a major section
of the Sheldon Tapestry Map of Gloucestershire, a fine example of
cartography and decorative art from the sixteenth century. For the first
time since its acquisition, the map will be on public display in the
Library's Exhibition Room for four weeks, between 19 January and 23
February 2008.

Woven in wool and silk, the Sheldon Tapestry Map for Gloucestershire
depicts south Gloucestershire and  parts of Wiltshire and Monmouthshire.
The map is a part of the set of four famed 'Tapestry Maps' dating from
the1590s. Commissioned by Ralph Sheldon for his home at Weston,
Warwickshire, the series illustrates the midland counties of England:
Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire.

The Bodleian Library now owns three fragments of the Gloucestershire
tapestry, in addition to the Oxfordshire and Worcestershire tapestries,
which were donated in 1809 by the antiquary Richard Gough. A third
tapestry, which illustrates Warwickshire, is part of the Warwickshire
Museum's collection. The acquisition of the Gloucestershire tapestry map
makes it possible to reunite this substantial portion of the fourth map
with two of the original set already owned by the Library.

The four maps are of major significance for cartographic history,
forming a unique representation of the landscape of the midland counties
of England at a period when modern cartography was still in its infancy.

Each tapestry has its titular county in the centre on a white background
and named in red letters, the county border is shaded red and the
surrounding counties are depicted in varying colours from yellow to
shades of green. The maps still retain much of their original, vibrant
colour, and demonstrate an interest in the depiction of landscape,
rivers, and townscapes.

The exhibition will be staged in the Bodleian Library Exhibition Room,
19 January to 23 February 2008 (Mondays-Fridays 09.00-17.00; Saturdays
09.00-16.30). Admission Free.

See also:
        http://www.ouls.ox.ac.uk/news/2008_jan_18

With best wishes,
Nick Millea
_______________________________________________________

Nick Millea

Map Librarian, Bodleian Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
Tel:      01865 287119
Fax:     01865 277139
Email:  [log in to unmask]

Homepage: http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/guides/maps/
_______________________________________________________