Flemish cartographer, geographer, and publisher Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) is celebrated as the creator of the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, first published in 1570, widely regarded as the first modern atlas and one of the most influential cartographic works of the 16th century. The Theatrum brought together the best-known maps of the time into a single, coherent volume. It consisted of 53 maps, engraved by the artist Frans Hogenberg, with accompanying descriptive texts in Latin. Ortelius organized the maps according to a geographic logic, grouped into continents and then subdivided into regions.The atlas included a map of the world, regional maps of Europe, parts of Asia and Africa and some partial representations of the Americas. The Theatrum was an unprecedented success and was revised and reissued from its initial publication until well into the 17th century by which time it contained double the number of maps as new regions were discovered and detailed.

Before conservation, Christ Church’s copy of the 1575 Theatrum Orbis Terrarum was in a poor state. There were small tears to many of the pages and the binding was very fragile. Conservation of the volume was carried out by Anna Gallwey at Oxford Conservation Consortium. Anna stabilised the textblock, cleaned the pages and repaired tears throughout the volume. She then lifted the spine covering leather to reattach the boards. 

The conservation of the atlas was finished in time for the volume to be used in an Upper Library teaching session for student Geographers. Dr Nick Carter, Lecturer and Senior Subject Tutor in Geography, said: 'To see an Ortelius atlas up close was a unique, thought-provoking experience for our students, and got them reflecting on the distinct influence of the history of mapmaking on geographical thought.'

It is wonderful that the book is now accessible for research and teaching. We are very appreciative of all who support the Library to look after and preserve our collections for current and future generations.

Gabriel Sewell, College Librarian