File:Antique Map of Ireland by John Thomson, 1815.jpg

English: By: John Thomson

Date: 1815 (Published) Edinburgh

Dimensions: 23.5 x 19.5 inches (59.7 x 49.5 cm)

This beautiful Thomson map covers Ireland in its entirety. Thomson uses color coding to break down the island into its many counties. The whole is beautifully engraved in the minimalist English style pioneered in the early part of the 19th century. Relief is shown by hachure with towns, roadways, cities, and major topographical features identified.

John Thomson (1777 - 1841) was a Scottish cartographer, publisher, and bookbinder active in Edinburgh during the early part of the 19th century. Thomson apprenticed under Edinburgh bookbinder Robert Alison. Thomson was one of the leading publishers in the Edinburgh school of cartography, which flourished in the early decades of the 19th century. Thomson and his contemporaries (Pinkerton and Cary) redefined European cartography by abandoning typical 18th century decorative elements such as elaborate title cartouches and fantastic beasts in favor of detail and accuracy.