Brisbane — Historical Wall Map by Gordon & Gotch (1920)
River loops, suburban grids and crimson tram lines—this 1920 classic by Gordon & Gotch gathers Brisbane and its suburbs at a pivotal moment between expansion and modernity. The tram network, drawn in red, reaches confidently to Toowong (but not yet Kalinga); small red “T” markers pinpoint public telephones across the city. Part guide, part civic memory, it brings interwar Brisbane to your wall—clear, characterful, and quietly alive with movement.
Why it captivates
-
Network in mid-stride (1920) — a time-capsule map before the tram system reached its late-1940s extent.
-
Instant wayfinding — tram routes highlighted in red; public telephones marked with red “T” symbols.
-
Brisbane in one glance — inner suburbs, river bends and corridors laid out with calm, legible hierarchy.
-
Scholarly & beautiful — disciplined draughting and restrained colour that read cleanly across a room.
What you’ll see
-
Tram routes (red) threading the suburban fabric, including the Toowong extension.
-
Public telephone points indicated by red “T” markers for a glimpse of early urban infrastructure.
-
Suburban layout & key corridors presented with balanced labels and period titlework.
-
Neatline & cartouche preserving the original’s interwar finish.
A richer historical frame
Printed in 1920, this sheet fixes Brisbane on the cusp of its tramway high-water mark—a network still growing toward its late-1940s breadth, and a city wiring itself for modern communications. Gordon & Gotch distilled lived geography into evidence arranged with care: routes, utilities and place-names aligned for everyday use and enduring display.
Choose your finish
Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Best for: framing under glass in homes, studios and offices
Look & feel: non-glare matte that preserves fine linework and small labels
Laminated (true encapsulation)
Best for: classrooms, libraries, clubs and shared spaces
Build: sealed edge-to-edge between two 80-micron gloss sheets
Benefit: wipe-clean, durable, moisture-resistant
Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
What you get: encapsulated print plus natural lacquered timber rails top & bottom with a discreet hanging cord
Where it shines: foyers, council buildings, transport rooms—polished look with everyday toughness
Install: arrives ready to hang (just add a wall hook)
Lead time: please allow up to 10 working days for professional rail mounting
Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Best for: premium interiors, boardrooms and galleries
Print system: pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for long display life
Presence: textured surface adds warmth and museum-style depth
Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
What you get: canvas fitted with natural timber rails top & bottom, matching cord
Where it shines: statement walls, curated heritage displays, Brisbane collections
Install: ready to hang; single-hook friendly
Lead time: please allow up to 10 working days for rail mounting
Size (W × H)
-
972 × 715 mm — generous landscape format with strong network readability
At-a-glance materials
| Option | Best for | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Paper (160 gsm) | Framing under glass | Matte clarity; crisp period detail |
| Laminated (encapsulated) | Busy/shared spaces | Wipeable; tough; edge-to-edge protection |
| Laminated + Rails | Ready-to-hang public display | Professional mount; easy install; durable |
| Canvas (395 gsm) | Premium display | Archival inks; textured depth; gallery appeal |
| Canvas + Rails | Gallery-ready feature | Period-true presentation; simple hanging |
Styling ideas
-
Local heritage wall: add a caption noting family suburbs, tram memories or favourite routes.
-
Council or library foyer: choose Laminated + Rails for a polished, robust display.
-
Study or lounge: canvas with rails above timber cabinetry for warm interwar character.
-
Collector’s set: pair with later tramway maps to trace the network’s 1940s peak.
Specifications
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | Brisbane — Historical Wall Map |
| Edition | 1920 |
| Publisher | Gordon & Gotch |
| Region | Brisbane and suburbs |
| Type | Interwar urban transport & civic amenities map |
| Content Highlights | Tram routes in red; public telephones (red “T”); suburban layout; period lettering & neatline |
| Finishes | Paper; Laminated (encapsulated); Laminated + Timber Rails; Canvas; Canvas + Timber Rails |
| Lead Time (Rails) | Up to 10 working days (laminated or canvas with rails) |
| Orientation | Landscape |
| Size | 972 × 715 mm (W × H) |
| Production | Made in Australia |
Who it’s for
-
Brisbane families, commuters & tramway enthusiasts preserving city memory
-
Councils, libraries & museums curating urban and transport heritage
-
Collectors & interior designers seeking authentic interwar cartography with local soul
Claim your wall. Choose Paper for crisp, frame-ready clarity. Go Laminated + Timber Rails for tough, ready-to-hang polish. Step up to Archival Canvas + Timber Hang Rails for gallery weight. Printed in Australia with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks. Built to last. Hang it. Live with it. Keep Brisbane close.
