Collins — Historic Map of Africa (1898)

A snapshot of a continent at the height of the colonial era, rendered with clarity and restraint. Taken from The Citizen’s Atlas and published in 1898 (maps by John Bartholomew & Co. Ltd. for Collins), this sheet brings Africa into sharp focus. Colonial jurisdictions are clarified in a dedicated legend, while international boundaries, principal towns, transport links, and coastlines are set out in clean, legible cartography. Insets detail the islands of Sierra Leone, Mauritius, Ascension, St Helena, and the Seychelles & Amirante Isles—a richly informative piece that rewards both room-distance viewing and close study.

More Than a Map – A Testament to History

This isn’t just wall art—it’s a primary window onto the Scramble for Africa. By 1898 only Liberia and Abyssinia (Ethiopia) remained independent of European rule, a geopolitical reality this atlas sheet records with unflinching clarity. Ideal for educators, historians, designers, and collectors, it stands alone beautifully and pairs powerfully with modern political maps for then-and-now comparison.

Hang it in libraries, classrooms, studios, museums, offices, or at home to invite reflection, study, and conversation.

Premium Materials & Finishes

We treat history with the respect it deserves. That’s why we offer multiple formats, each produced using high-quality materials and modern archival printing.

🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine linework and labels.
Ideal for framing under glass—clean, timeless, and built to last.

💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two sheets of 80-micron gloss laminate using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—perfect for classrooms and high-traffic reference spaces.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord provide a polished, ready-to-hang presentation—no frame required. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks deliver deep tone and crisp typography that endure for generations.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the wood grain and protect against wear; top cord for effortless hanging—elegant in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

Specifications

Why Choose This Map

✔ Era-True Snapshot: Africa’s political geography at the peak of European colonial rule, 1898.
✔ Clarity at a Glance: Colour key and clean symbology make complex jurisdictions instantly readable.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: Strong wall presence with genuine reference value.
✔ Context Builder: Pair with contemporary maps to trace decolonisation and state formation.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.

Our Commitment

We believe that preserving history is as important as telling it. Every map is printed locally in Australia using state-of-the-art technology, carefully checked by hand, and packed with care. From the moment it leaves our workshop to the day it hangs on your wall, we ensure quality you can trust and a legacy you’ll be proud to share.

Bring a pivotal moment in world geography into focus. Order the Historic Map of Africa (1898) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.