‎BOWEN, Emanuel‎
‎Map of Middlesex, from Britannia Depicta by Thomas Bowles. ‎

‎London Thomas Bowles 1720 ‎

Reference : 2156

‎Copper engraving by Emanuel Bowen published in the pocket road book 'Britannia Depicta' by Thomas Bowles from 1720. This was the first truly pocket sized road book for the traveller based on the surveys of John Ogilby published in large folio format 45 years earlier in 1675. The plates were printed on both sides of the paper, reducing the weight of the volume which required considerable organisation for the process of copperplate printing as the ink required an extensive drying-off period. The notes by John Owen were engraved by Emanuel Bowen on the copperplate surrounding the road maps and also on separate plates. The maps have become commonly known as "Owen & Bowen" maps. The map is set below a decorative cartouche containing the title for the road from London to Bristol with the final part of the road from London to Berwick verso. 190 x 120 mm (7œ x 4Ÿ inches).‎