Richard Blome

Blome's work is characterised by quaintly designed and executed maps, unashamedly plagiarised from his contemporaries and predecessors.

Although crudely engraved, many of his maps have great antique charm, and with their cartouches, arms, and other features, are undeniably decorative and attractive. For this reason, they are much in demand.

He published maps of parts of the world at the end of the 17^th century, and his set of county maps was printed in 1673 in his Britannia.

A delightful and much published miniature series came out in 1671, again in 1681, and in 1715 with a number of the maps in altered form: this was re-printed several times during the following 20 years.

It is interesting to know that Blome's prospectus, sent out to possible subscribers, offered the printing of the subscriber's name, title, seat and coat-of-arms at the front of the Britannia of 1673, for the payment of £1, but for £4, the subscriber could have the Map of his choice dedicated to him, with his armorial bearings.