San Francisco Pictorial Wall Map

San Francisco Pictorial Wall Map

A 1927 Illustrated Celebration of “The City That Knows How”
Size: 1050 mm (W) × 845 mm (H)

Step back into San Francisco’s vibrant past with this colourful and intricately illustrated pictorial map, drawn by Harris Godwin around 1927. This remarkable piece of cartographic artistry captures not only the city’s streets and landmarks but also the very spirit of the Roaring Twenties — bustling, playful, and full of character.

Described in the prestigious David Rumsey Map Collection as perhaps “the largest and most profusely illustrated of all pictorial maps of San Francisco”, Godwin’s work is alive with comic characters, whimsical vignettes, and carefully detailed cityscapes. From a cowboy being thrown from his horse to a Charleston-dancing couple, these illustrations weave a tapestry of humour, history, and urban life.

The map’s detail extends far beyond the purely decorative — it marks streets, parks, churches, schools, government buildings, banks, and theatres, while telling the story of the city’s industry, products, and postal services. It also commemorates pivotal moments such as the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, standing as both a guide and a historical record.

📜 Map Highlights

• Drawn by Harris Godwin, c.1927 – A celebrated piece of San Francisco’s cartographic and artistic heritage.

• Playful & Whimsical Illustrations – Includes dozens of charming, humorous vignettes with explanatory text.

• Rich Historical Content – References early city history, major events, and the post-earthquake rebuilding era.

• Local Life Depicted – Shows population, industry, and daily activities alongside official city infrastructure.

• Convention City Pride – Banners proclaim “The City That Knows How” and “The Ideal Convention City.”

📐 Specifications

🖌 Premium Material & Display Options

Note: Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery of hang-railed maps, as each is professionally mounted by our framer.

🎯 Perfect For

• San Francisco History Enthusiasts – An authentic window into the city’s 1920s identity.

• Collectors of Pictorial Maps – One of the finest and most detailed examples from the period.

• Heritage-Themed Décor – A captivating centrepiece for a study, library, bar, or lounge.

• Gift Buyers – A unique and meaningful present for lovers of history and vintage art.

🌟 Why Choose This Map

• Unmatched Illustrative Detail – Every corner reveals a new vignette or story.

• A Decorative Statement Piece – Large-format artwork with rich historical resonance.

• Archival Printing Quality – Ensures colour fidelity and sharpness for decades.

• Made in Australia – Crafted to the highest production standards.

The San Francisco Pictorial Wall Map by Harris Godwin is more than a map — it’s a celebration of a city’s resilience, humour, and charm. Whether you admire it as a collector’s item, a conversation piece, or a work of art, it will draw you back time and again to discover another hidden detail from “The City That Knows How.”