A compleat description of Charleston Metropolitan Region

showing in distinct manner all the islands, rivers, primary

thoroughfares, fortifications and districts of the area

2015, 27” wide by 22” tall, watercolor on cotton rag paper

Like many cartophiles, our passion for maps increases every time we

see a great, antique  map.  Whether the exquisite detail or brilliant hand

coloration, nearly all elements of well drawn antique maps attract our

interest.  One such map in the personal collection of our founder is an

1835 hand drawn map of Charleston and the surrounding environs at

the time.  Its features like Castle Pinckney, Breach Inlet, and Fort

Johnson make us feel as if that well worn and aged piece of paper

could transport us to another time.  And yet those are common features

of modern Charleston, SC.

We used this 19th century map as a guide for the Charleston Metro

map.  This current map took inspiration from the layout, line weights,

etc. but we have added features recognizable to us in the 21st century. 

We’ve added the Ravenel Bridge, Savannah Highway and others.  The

map is finished with an aging technique to evoke the 19th century feel

of the original.  We hope this map makes you feel as if you are in both

the 19th and 21st centuries.