Australia Illustrated — Wall Map (1934)

Kangaroos bounding through desert scrub, tall gums and banksias, ships at sea and small vignettes of discovery—this 1934 illustrated map by Margaret Whiting Spilhaus turns the continent into a lively tapestry of stories. History is sketched beside flora and fauna; regional character is suggested with witty detail and generous colour. Part folio, part fairytale, it brings Australia’s personality to the wall—playful, intelligent, and quietly irresistible.

Why it captivates

• Whimsical, artful storytelling — lively illustrations of seminal events, wildlife and flora animate the whole continent.

• Aesthetically versatile — a natural fit for boho-chic, vintage, and eclectic interiors while remaining scholarly and informed.

• Period charm (1934) — interwar colour palette, hand lettering and decorative cartouches give it immediate warmth.

• Conversation-ready — a map you can read from across the room, then explore up close for hidden details.

What you’ll see

• Illustrated vignettes marking moments in Australian history alongside regional symbols of land and sea.

• Flora & fauna studies—from coastal birds to outback marsupials—woven into the geography.

• Refined period lettering and borders that frame the artwork without crowding it.

• A balanced composition that rewards lingering—each pass reveals a new figure, ship, plant or place-name.

A richer historical frame

Published in 1934, this edition reflects a flourishing era of pictorial cartography—maps that explained place through image as much as measurement. Spilhaus’s work sits at that sweet point where accuracy meets illustration: it’s a cultural document that celebrates a modernising nation, while keeping faith with the stories, plants and creatures that define it.

Choose your finish

Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)

Best for: framing under glass in living rooms, studies and children’s spaces
Look & feel: non-glare matte that preserves linework, colour and small labels

Laminated (true encapsulation)

Best for: classrooms, libraries, playrooms and shared spaces
Build: sealed edge-to-edge between two 80-micron gloss sheets
Benefit: wipe-clean, durable, moisture-resistant

Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)

What you get: encapsulated print plus natural lacquered timber rails top & bottom with a discreet hanging cord
Where it shines: foyers, offices, studios—polished look with everyday toughness
Install: arrives ready to hang (just add a wall hook)
Lead time: please allow up to 10 working days for professional rail mounting

Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)

Best for: premium interiors, galleries and curated family spaces
Print system: pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for long display life
Presence: textured surface adds warmth and museum-style depth

Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)

What you get: canvas fitted with natural timber rails top & bottom, matching cord
Where it shines: statement walls and eclectic, art-forward rooms
Install: ready to hang; single-hook friendly
Lead time: please allow up to 10 working days for rail mounting

Sizes (W × H)

• 1000 × 750 mm — generous landscape format with room for detail and colour

At-a-glance materials

Styling ideas

• Boho gallery wall: pair with woven textures, timber frames and native greenery.

• Family reading nook: frame the paper edition; add a picture light to spotlight vignettes at night.

• Creative studio or classroom: choose Laminated + Rails for durable, wipe-clean use.

• Living room feature: canvas with rails above a sideboard for colour, warmth and conversation.

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Families, educators and collectors who love artful, story-rich cartography

• Interior stylists looking for boho-chic colour with historical substance

• Libraries, galleries and schools curating Australiana with broad appeal

Claim your wall. Choose Paper for crisp, frame-ready clarity. Go Laminated + Timber Rails for tough, ready-to-hang polish. Step up to Archival Canvas + Timber Hang Rails for gallery weight. Printed in Australia with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks.