South Africa Pictorial Wall Map 1950

A Journey at a Glance — South Africa Pictorial Wall Map (1950)

“Showing the divers places and extraordinary manner of strange things to be seen by those who voyage to this land…” Issued in 1950, this richly illustrated pictorial map turns South Africa into a storybook of geography and culture: international and provincial boundaries, principal roads and rivers, national parks, landmarks and wildlife are woven together with lively vignettes of historic events, a decorative compass rose, and the Coat of Arms of the Union of South Africa presiding at the top. Relief is shown pictorially, so mountains rise and plains unfurl with inviting clarity—a charming fusion of information and illustration.

More Than a Map – A Testament to History

This is not just wall art—it’s a mid-century window onto place and identity. Each symbol, caption, and inset reflects how travelers, students, and citizens encountered South Africa in the years after World War II: a land of vast distances, protected landscapes, and layered histories. Ideal for historians, educators, designers, collectors, and anyone with ties to Southern Africa, this map is both a visual treasure and an engaging teaching tool.

Display it in classrooms, offices, museums, libraries, or your home, and create a space that invites 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 the highest quality materials and modern archival printing techniques.

🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and highlights fine linework, labels, and pictorial relief.
Ideal for framing under glass, preserving colour and detail with sophisticated clarity.

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

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord deliver a polished, ready-to-display look—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 strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks produce deep tone and crisp annotation that endure for generations.

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

Specifications

Why Choose This Map

✔ Mid-Century Charm, Scholarly Clarity: A 1950 pictorial style that delights the eye while conveying boundaries, routes, and landscapes at a glance.
✔ Conversation-Ready: Historic vignettes, wildlife motifs, and a stately coat of arms make it a natural focal point for any room.
✔ Teaching & Display in One: Perfect for lessons in geography, history, design—and for richly characterful interior styling.
✔ Crafted to Last: Premium substrates and archival inks keep colour, linework, and pictorial relief vivid for decades.
✔ Ready to Hang: Optional hang-railed laminated or canvas editions offer a museum-quality presentation—no frame required.
✔ A Thoughtful Gift: Ideal for travelers, family historians, conservation enthusiasts, and collectors of Southern African ephemera.

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 Southern Africa’s landscapes and legends into your space. Order the South Africa Pictorial Wall Map (1950) today—a faithful, beautifully produced celebration of place, memory, and map-maker’s art.