A private collector from East Devon, Mr Winning first became fascinated by maps in the 1970s through his childhood interest in steam railways and the way they had been mapped. This led to a more academic interest, which found him collecting English County maps, many of which are from the early seventeenth century, then City plans with some dating back to the 1580s.
The collection includes plans and engravings of London from the seventeenth century through to the early twentieth century, such as guides produced for visitors to the Great Exhibition of 1851, designed to help them find their way around the Capital. One engraved panorama by Swiss cartographer Matthaus Merian focuses on the banks of the Thames showing important buildings that were later destroyed in the Great Fire of London of 1666; highly sought after by collectors it is estimated to sell for £800-1200.
Closer to home are maps of Exeter and County maps of Devon which locals may enjoy scanning to see how the region has changed over the centuries. A bird’s eye town plan of Exeter as it would have looked in Elizabethan times is particularly fascinating, showing the complete city walls, the Castle, Cathedral and Quay.
There are maps of Africa, the Americas - and one of Australia by Aaron Arrowsmith from 1806 drawn before the south side of the country was properly surveyed. These maps contain lots of intriguing inaccuracies. For example, Japan was initially drawn far larger than its actual size, California first as an island and then peninsula, and the settlement that would become New York City labelled New Amsterdam.
As well as loose maps, Mr Winning created a library of other related items from atlases to dictionaries and map directories. One of the collection’s highlights is a 1720 Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster by John Stow including maps and plans, which has a presale estimate of £800-1200.
A small selection of charming Georgian board games includes The New Game of Human Life, which was created by publisher John Wallis and Elizabeth Newberry in 1790. Beautifully engraved and with skilled hand-colouring, the 84-space game illustrates twelve ages of man from boyhood to decrepitude. The aim is to reach the final space which shows the Immortal Man, who is depicted as Isaac Newton. This game is estimated to sell at £200-300.
In all, Mr Winning’s collection of maps and books filled a 6-drawer map chest and shelving. He is keen for others to now enjoy the many items that brought him pleasure over the years. The lots are available at very affordable prices, with estimates from £50. The maps are ideal to frame to hang on walls, an appealing addition to the home.
Auctioneer Jennifer Bell who curated the collection, said: “This is a lovely selection of maps which includes some rare and interesting editions, with plenty of options for the novice map collector. I think the starting point is to just buy a map you like the look of; these maps will be appreciated both for their appearance and the history they contain, as much as they’re worth.”
The ‘Collectors Items’ auction also includes plenty of other tempting lots, from toys, models and medals to good quality antiquarian books, a collection of phonographs and twentieth century antiques.
The sale takes place at 10am at the Dolphin Saleroom in Honiton High Street on Saturday November 16th with pre-sale viewing on November 13th, 14th and 15th.
