FIRST EDITION. We know little about William Colling Hobson who died c.1878. Amongst his works are several engraved by John & Charles Walker including this. The most recognisable of their collaborations is probably ‘Walker’s Fox Hunting Atlas’. The Walker’s were part of an extensive family, many of whom were in the map business. John Walker (fl.1813-73) was a brother to Charles Walker (1799?-1872) and in about 1827 they formed the partnership of J. & C. Walker.

This large-scale map of Durham is drawn at the scale of three quarters of an inch to a mile. It was first published here c.1839. Two ensuing issues were published in 1840 both dated. There are only three earlier large-scale printed maps of the county; the exceedingly rare Christopher Maire of 1711, Andrew Armstrong in 1768 and Christopher Greenwood’s in 1820. This map was published by Thomas Malby (1781-1854) who were largely globemakers and chart publishers for the Admiralty. The map details all of the railways and tram ways. A rare map in its first state. Rodger (1972) 105; Tooley (1986) refer no. DV18; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).