This online exhibition presents an introduction to the Society鈥檚 collection of printed world听atlases within the wider holdings of our cartographical collection, which comprises over one million maps, charts, atlases, gazetteers and globes. The cartographical collection is the largest component of the world鈥檚 largest privately held geographical collection of over two million items, made fully accessible by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other supporters.听
Illustrated with examples of stunning听plates from the Society鈥檚 atlases, this exhibition begins with the vividly-coloured plates of听the Society's 15th century听Ptolemaic atlas听and听looks at the key cartographers and publishers in the evolution and development of the printed听world atlas听over a span of听more than 500 years.
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Note about captions
Within the Society鈥檚 Collections there are some historical images (and image titles or captions) which are recognised as containing unacceptable forms of language, or present image content that is considered inappropriate. In such cases, as part of its Collections policy, the Society maintains access to those images and descriptors as a source of context and information for researchers, recognising that the historical language used or image subjects in themselves do not reflect the Society鈥檚 contemporary position as an organisation wholly committed to principles of equality and diversity.
RGS print store
Selected images featured in this online exhibition can be purchased from the RGS print store.
