Tasman’s map – floor mosaic

In 1942, when the world was at war, two Italians were put to work to re-create Tasman’s map in mosaic form in the foyer of the Mitchell Library. Their craftmanship is much to be admired, and worthy of first-hand inspection. If you ask the security guard, you are permitted to roll up the runner and take photographs. Some photos of the map and surrounding illustrations can be found below.

For a complete technical description of the making of the map, the reason for its making, and a brief history of the only comparable map in the world, in Amsterdam, visit http://www.virtualtour.com.au/melocco/mitchel/peter.o.melocco-mitchel-history.htm

(Click on an image to enlarge it.)