Map a-day-in May (a thirty-one cabinet display) Lilian Lancaster Lancaster was far from a professional cartographer. In fact, she was a successful Victorian-era actress. Her interest in mapmaking began in her teenage years as a way to entertain her ailing brother. At the age of 15, she created a series of twelve humorous maps depicting various European countries. These imaginative sketches were later compiled and published in Geographical Fun: Humorous Outlines of Various Countries by Hodder & Stoughton in 1868. Both playful and educational, her anthropomorphic maps captured the attention of children and adults alike. Their whimsical design made it easier for young audiences to remember the shapes of different countries, while also introducing elements of history and geography. Lancaster also drew inspiration from folklore and mythology. Later in life, using her married name, Tennant, she produced another series of maps to accompany Stories of Old, a collection of popular tales and fables written by Elizabeth Louisa Hoskyn. This volume was published by Adam and Charles Black in 1912. Each of these later maps reflects the theme of a specific story, combining national outlines with historical or mythological figures relevant to that country’s cultural heritage. (Adapted from British Library and Wikipedia)
Map a-day-in May (a thirty-one cabinet display) Lilian Lancaster Lancaster (Tennant), Lilian. (1912). 3. Scotland. Robert Bruce Watches the Spider. Adam and Charles Black. Image from the David Rumsey Map Collection
Map a-day-in May (a thirty-one cabinet display) Lilian Lancaster Lancaster (Tennant), Lilian. (1912). The Raven Guides Floke across the Great Sea. Adam and Charles Black. From the David Rumsey Map Collection.
Map a-day-in May (a thirty-one cabinet display)
Lilian Lancaster At age 15 created twelve humorous maps depicting various European countries.
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