Collection by Aaron Britt

Bedrock Images's Forgotten Maps

For the architecturally inclined—especially those with a mess of wall space—little enlivens the living room like a gigantic map. Though hip apartments the nation over are festooned with graphic prints of Brooklyn neighborhoods, diagrams of the London Underground, and the like, to get a real dose of architectural bravado in your residence, consider one of the massive archival maps from Bedrock Images. Printed on cloth, fine paper, or glossy photographic paper, these images from Rome, New York, Paris, Washington D.C., or Beijing range in size from merely impressive to room-transformingly massive. Have a look at the slideshow that follows to get a feel for Bedrock's products.

Bedrock also sells much smaller details of the maps they carry. This one is from the D.C. map and shows the Capitol.
Bedrock also sells much smaller details of the maps they carry. This one is from the D.C. map and shows the Capitol.
This map of Rome—easily the most realistic of those Bedrock offers—is from 1765 and shows Giuseppe Vasi's considerable artistry.
This map of Rome—easily the most realistic of those Bedrock offers—is from 1765 and shows Giuseppe Vasi's considerable artistry.
To get a sense of just how massive these maps can be, Bedrock staged this photo outdoors in Paris. You'll clearly need a capacious living room for this map of New York City from 1879 to make sense. The map comes with mounting hardware and a $3,000 pricetag.
To get a sense of just how massive these maps can be, Bedrock staged this photo outdoors in Paris. You'll clearly need a capacious living room for this map of New York City from 1879 to make sense. The map comes with mounting hardware and a $3,000 pricetag.
A smaller version offers far more specificity of detail, something draftsman Will Taylor doesn't skimp on.
A smaller version offers far more specificity of detail, something draftsman Will Taylor doesn't skimp on.
For something that has the feel of an illustration, and a good does of color, try this map of Beijing from 1890. The Forbidden City at the heart of the image is especially evocative.
For something that has the feel of an illustration, and a good does of color, try this map of Beijing from 1890. The Forbidden City at the heart of the image is especially evocative.
Here's an example of the kind of neighborhood detail—in this case, Paris's Latin Quarter—that Bedrock offers. Prints like this can cost as little as $50, but still capture the historic spirit of the larger design. 

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Here's an example of the kind of neighborhood detail—in this case, Paris's Latin Quarter—that Bedrock offers. Prints like this can cost as little as $50, but still capture the historic spirit of the larger design. Don't miss a word of Dwell! Download our FREE app from iTunes, friend us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter!