Throughout history, maps have shown us the routes of our travels, the cities that we love, and the lands where we live. Each mapmaker, a.k.a. cartographer, has brought a unique style to documenting our world, and because of this, there are troves of beautiful maps out there for us to admire.
To tap into our seemingly inherent interest in maps, one must visit an incredible map store out of Cambridge, Massachusetts called Ward Maps.
Ward Maps is located on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, in between the Harvard and Porter MBTA stops. The store specializes in real estate maps, but they carry a variety of styles and cities. Their selection of maps is so great that one visit will most likely not give you enough time to check it all out.
Ward Maps scan all of their acquired maps and makes exquisitely professional prints in a number of sizes. On my second to last trip, I purchased two vintage reprints of hyper localities in Jamaica Plain, Boston. During this last time around, my friend bought a vintage reprint of Chicago in 1893. Incredible!
If you don't live in the Massachusetts area, don't you worry; Ward Maps carries every single one of their maps on their online shop. Go on their site right now, and see if they've got the map you've always wanted. Fair warning - you will want more than just one.
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Comments (8)
I'm a designer and I used Wardmaps recently for a large project I was working on in Brookline, MA. We purchased eight large, antique reproduction maps of Brookline and had them framed by the store. They have a really great selection of maps and did a great job with the framing. I believe that I worked with the owner of the store, Dan, and his customer service was great! I highly recommend them if you are looking for an awesome selection of antique and repro maps!
WWW.ChristinaMarieInteriors.com
In New York, I've been going to Pageant Books in the East Village for years. Amazing prints but not as thorough as Ward.
http://www.pageantbooks.com/
Thank you, AT (and Nick Siemaska). THANK YOU.
How did I not know this existed? As a cartographer by trade I am embarrassed at my lack of knowledge of this place. Thanks for sharing!
So excited to see Ward Maps shared with so many readers! They are an excellent resource.
Ooooo. Pretty.
I love this store! They deserve all the attention they can get. :)
Love Ward Maps!