Borders, Currents & Blocs — World Wall Map (1957)
A snapshot of the mid-century world, rendered with clarity and restraint. Published by National Geographic in 1957, this world sheet blends a clean, light style with meticulous detail on land and sea. International boundaries, major cities and capitals, rail lines and principal roads, and ocean currents and depths are set out in legible cartography that rewards both room-distance viewing and close study. Inset panels spotlight the North and South Polar Regions and a comprehensive United Nations panel lists member countries as of 1957—alongside geopolitical groupings of the era. It’s the fabric of a reorganised, interconnected world—made to study, admire, and display.
More Than a Map – A Testament to History
This isn’t just wall art—it’s a reference frame for the early Cold War. See postwar borders at a glance and consult the UN inset detailing member states, with additional callouts for the Communist World, Atlantic Pact countries, and lists for SEATO, the Baghdad Pact, and the Arab League. Ideal for educators, planners, historians, designers, and collectors, this sheet pairs beautifully with National Geographic’s 1943 and 1951 world maps for a cohesive mid-century set.
Hang it in studios, libraries, classrooms, 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 small 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
Feature |
Details |
Title |
World Wall Map |
Series |
National Geographic single-sheet world map |
Original Publication |
1957 |
Scale |
Not specified |
Cartographic Content |
International boundaries; capitals & major cities; rail routes; major roads; ocean currents & depths; North & South Polar insets; UN membership inset with geopolitical blocs (Communist World, Atlantic Pact, SEATO, Baghdad Pact, Arab League) |
Map Size |
1063 mm (W) × 728 mm (H) |
Available Formats |
Paper, Laminated, Canvas |
Paper Weight |
160gsm archival-quality |
Laminate |
2 × 80-micron gloss laminate sheets (encapsulated) |
Canvas Weight |
395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
Inks |
Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
Optional Hang Rails |
Available on Laminated & Canvas (lead time up to 10 working days)
|
Origin |
Made in Australia |
Why Choose This Map
✔ Era-True Snapshot: Borders and blocs captured at the height of the 1950s world order.
✔ Layered Context: UN membership plus Cold War alliances and regional pacts at a glance.
✔ Network Insight: Rail, road, and ocean information integrates movement and terrain.
✔ Clarity at Scale: Classic National Geographic styling with crisp, readable detail.
✔ 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.
Capture the mid-century world in vivid detail. Order the World Wall Map (1957) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.