Posts

Why Most Collectors Fail at Lighting for Vintage Paper

Why Most Collectors Fail at Lighting for Vintage Paper

Stop letting light destroy your collection. Learn why standard lighting can ruin vintage maps and how to choose the right setup to preserve your pieces for the long term.

Orion ThompsonOrion ThompsonApril 10, 2026
How to Care for and Display Your Vintage Maps | Old Maps

How to Care for and Display Your Vintage Maps | Old Maps

Learn the best practices for displaying and caring for your vintage maps. This guide covers storage, framing, cleaning, and tips for long-term preservation.

Orion ThompsonOrion ThompsonApril 10, 2026
A Collector's Guide to Buying Vintage Maps

A Collector's Guide to Buying Vintage Maps

Learn how to start your vintage map collection with this comprehensive guide on buying, identifying valuable maps, and proper care and display.

Orion ThompsonOrion ThompsonApril 9, 2026
Lost Islands and Mythical Lands on Ancient Sea Charts

Lost Islands and Mythical Lands on Ancient Sea Charts

Listicle

Explore the fascinating world of phantom islands, from Hy-Brasil to Saint Brendan, and learn how cartographers blended myth with geography.

Old Maps EditorialOld Maps EditorialApril 9, 2026
How to Flatten and Restore Folded Antique Maps Without Damage

How to Flatten and Restore Folded Antique Maps Without Damage

How-To

Learn the proper techniques to safely flatten folded vintage maps at home. From humidity control to pressing methods, discover how collectors restore antique maps to their original flat condition.

Old Maps EditorialOld Maps EditorialApril 9, 2026
5 Timeless Antique Maps Every Collector Should Know

5 Timeless Antique Maps Every Collector Should Know

Listicle

Discover the most sought-after antique maps that have captivated collectors for centuries. From ornate Renaissance portolan charts to detailed 19th-century city plans, learn what makes these cartographic treasures val...

Old Maps EditorialOld Maps EditorialApril 9, 2026
A Collector's Guide to Finding Authentic Vintage Maps

A Collector's Guide to Finding Authentic Vintage Maps

Discover the essential tips for sourcing, identifying, and collecting authentic vintage maps. Learn what to look for, where to find hidden gems, and how to avoid common reproductions.

Old Maps EditorialOld Maps EditorialApril 9, 2026
Hidden Symbols in Renaissance Cartography

Hidden Symbols in Renaissance Cartography

Listicle

Explore the cryptic icons, mythical beasts, and celestial-themed flourishes that mapmakers used to fill empty spaces and convey meaning.

Old Maps EditorialOld Maps EditorialApril 9, 2026
Selecting the Right Acid-Free Materials for Map Mounting

Selecting the Right Acid-Free Materials for Map Mounting

How-To

Learn how to choose the correct archival-grade backings and adhesives to protect your vintage maps from chemical degradation.

Old Maps EditorialOld Maps EditorialApril 9, 2026
The One Storage Habit That Preserves Old Maps for Decades

The One Storage Habit That Preserves Old Maps for Decades

Quick Tip

Most map damage doesn’t come from accidents—it comes from unstable storage. One simple habit can preserve your collection for decades without expensive gear.

Orion ThompsonOrion ThompsonApril 9, 2026
How to Start Collecting Vintage Maps: A Practical Guide for Serious Beginners

How to Start Collecting Vintage Maps: A Practical Guide for Serious Beginners

A practical, no-nonsense guide to starting a vintage map collection—learn how to buy smart, spot originals, avoid costly mistakes, and build a focused collection that grows in value over time.

Orion ThompsonOrion ThompsonApril 9, 2026
Tracing the Evolution of Sea Monster Illustrations

Tracing the Evolution of Sea Monster Illustrations

Discover how mythical creatures transitioned from essential navigational warnings to purely decorative flourishes on historical maritime charts.

Old Maps EditorialOld Maps EditorialApril 8, 2026