Australia proposed provinces—Central North/South Australia—William Wells/John Allan—1848
£180
SKU
'Australia'
This 1848 map of Australia by William Henry Wells is notable for its provincial divisions, which likely reflects the cartographer's attempt to impose structure on a still largely unexplored continent, rather than any firm political reality. Beyond the established colonies of Western Australia, South Australia, and Van Diemen’s Land, the map delineates a series of provincial boundaries which had not been formally defined—including North Australia, Central North Australia, Central Australia, and Central South Australia. These divisions likely reflected discussion and proposals at the time for the administration of the territory. The retention of older Dutch-derived names such as Nuyts Land and Eendracht Land further illustrates the transitional nature of Australian cartography at this date. Together, these divisions capture a moment when Australia was still being conceptually organised, revealing imperial ambition, geographical uncertainty, and the evolving framework that would later harden into colonies, and subsequently into states and territories.
Size 22 x 25 cm | 8.5 x 10.0 inches
Date Published: 1848
Type: Antique engraved map with original outline colour
Author: William Henry Wells
Publication: A Gazetteer of the Australian Colonies
Condition: Good |
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