Let’s face it – most maps are boring. They may be clever and intelligent. But many people find them uninspiring, and many of us (esp. women?) cannot even work out how to read them! So here are some ways to get to know England and beyond, in more fun manners. Just like teachers that know everything – a good teacher is only a good one – if they make the lessons fun!
Holly Francesca’s Hand-drawn Local Maps
Artist Holly Francesca makes beautiful hand-drawn illustrated maps for most English cities, counties and national parks. All these designs are edited with design software, working alongside her artist husband. Sold in sustainable packaging, you can also find images of skylines of all the world’s great cities.
Hand-Drawn Maps by Hannah Penrose
This London map by Hannah Penrose is sure to look good on the wall of any city dweller. Also take a look at her maps for Manchester, Yorkshire and England.
Hand-Drawn Maps by Kate Rochester
Kate Rochester is a talented artist, who specialises in map-making. She loves them so much that if something is not listed, just contact her – and she will make a map of it!
Lap Maps That Are Easy to Read!
Colin Shelbourn’s Lap Maps are great fun, and an ideal alternative to stuffy boring maps if you are a local or tourist. Designed so that you don’t get buried in paper, each one features fun illustrations and comprehensive information, plus details on walks, places to visit and car tours. The maps are available for:
- Yorkshire Dales
- Peak District
- Lake District
- North York Moors
- Northumberland
- North Wales
- Devon
Colin has been drawing since a child, and has worked mostly as a professional cartoonist. So what better way to use his skills, than to draw maps that most of us can actually understand?!
Jim Watson’s Illustrated Local Sketchbooks
Not exactly maps, but Jim Watson produces gorgeous local guidebooks, in case you’ve missed them. Raised in the Lake District, he began his career as an engineer and draughtsman before becoming an artist. He lives in Warwickshire.
- Lake District visits this popular region with hundreds of beautiful watercolours. Another book visits Lakeland towns.
- Yorkshire covers the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and York.
- London is packed with over 200 illustrations of Jim’s favourite landmarks and sights, plus historical footnotes, maps, quirky facts and a gazetteer.
- Cornwall features 200 watercolours of the author’s favourite sights.
- The Cotswolds features 8 tours of towns and villages.
- Devon has 180 illustrations of favourite places on both coasts, Exmoor/Dartmoor National Parks, and hand-drawn maps.
