Port And Town Of Cardiff – 1883

Lithographers: Malby & Sons
Price: £225
Publication Date: 1883
Edition: New Edition
Format: Original coloured lithograph
Condition: In near fine condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 68.8cm x 64.1cm when opened

Condition:

A very scarce and detailed map of Cardiff and its port. Backed on linen with 15 sections. Map and folding cover in very near fine, bright, clean condition. The JISC Library Hub lists finds no copies of the 1883 edition in UK Institutional Holdings. One copy each of the 1864, 1874 and 1887 editions are found.

Cardiff In 1883: A Brief Description

In 1883, Cardiff was a rapidly growing town in Wales, driven by the coal industry and its significance as a major port. This period marked Cardiff’s transition from a small town into a bustling industrial centre, which would soon lead to it becoming a city in 1905.

Key Aspects of Cardiff in 1883:

1. Industrial Growth and the Coal Industry

By the late 19th century, Cardiff had established itself as one of the world’s largest coal-exporting ports, primarily shipping coal from the South Wales Valleys to global markets. The Taff Vale Railway, which connected the coalfields to Cardiff Docks, was crucial for transporting coal to the docks for export. The growth of coal mining in South Wales, especially the Rhondda Valley, brought prosperity to Cardiff as coal was in high demand during the Industrial Revolution.

The Bute Docks, developed under the Marquesses of Bute, were the centrepiece of Cardiff’s economy at this time. By 1883, Cardiff’s docks had expanded significantly, with Coal Exchange being the heart of the international coal trade. Merchants from around the world came to Cardiff to negotiate coal prices and make deals, further raising the town’s prominence.

2. Population Boom

Cardiff’s population exploded during the 19th century as people moved to the area to take advantage of jobs created by the coal industry. The population had grown from just over 1,000 in 1801 to nearly 90,000 by 1881, reflecting the rapid industrialisation and urbanisation taking place. By 1883, Cardiff was continuing to attract workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals, leading to the development of new housing and infrastructure.

The population increase also led to significant changes in the layout and expansion of the town, with areas like Splott and Roath seeing residential development. However, the rapid growth also led to overcrowding and poor living conditions in many parts of the town, especially for the working-class population.

3. Cultural and Civic Development

As Cardiff grew, so did its cultural and civic infrastructure. In 1883, the town was home to several important institutions and landmarks:

• Cardiff Castle, owned by the Bute family, underwent significant restoration and expansion during this time, transforming from a medieval fortress into a Gothic Revival mansion, under the direction of architect William Burges.
• The Cardiff Town Hall, built in 1853, was an important civic building, although it was later replaced by the more grand City Hall in the early 20th century.
• St. David’s Church, a prominent Catholic church, was another key landmark, as well as St. John’s Church and St. Mary’s Church, reflecting Cardiff’s growing religious and civic life.

Cardiff also saw the growth of educational institutions, theatres, and public services during this period. The Cardiff Free Library, founded in 1861, was an important cultural hub, contributing to the intellectual and social life of the town.

4. Political and Administrative Developments

Cardiff was growing in political importance, but it was still working towards its future status as a city. In 1883, it was still technically a town, although it was the largest town in Wales by this time. Cardiff had become a borough in 1835, and its governance and infrastructure were evolving to meet the demands of its expanding population and economy. The pressure for Cardiff to be recognised as a city was building, and it eventually achieved city status in 1905.

5. Social Challenges

Despite its prosperity, Cardiff in 1883 also faced significant social issues. The rapid population growth had led to overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, and a lack of adequate public services in many areas. Working conditions in the docks and coal-related industries were often harsh, and the growing working-class population faced economic and social challenges.

The town’s expansion also created a diverse population, with immigrants coming from Ireland, Italy, and the West Indies, drawn by employment opportunities. This diversity added to the town’s cultural fabric but also contributed to social tensions in some areas.

6. Transport and Infrastructure

The development of Cardiff’s transport infrastructure was crucial to its success. The Taff Vale Railway (opened in 1841) continued to expand, and the Cardiff Docks were connected to the network, facilitating the rapid export of coal. The growing rail connections made Cardiff a key hub in the British industrial network.

Within the town, horse-drawn trams provided public transport, linking Cardiff’s growing suburbs to the centre. The increasing demand for efficient transport was evident as the town expanded geographically and economically.

Conclusion

Cardiff in 1883 was a town on the verge of major transformation, primarily due to its thriving coal export industry and growing docks. The town was rapidly expanding in population, infrastructure, and importance. While industrial wealth brought prosperity to many, social and urban challenges such as overcrowding and poor living conditions persisted. By the end of the 19th century, Cardiff was firmly established as a key player in global trade, and it would soon become a major city in Wales.

Malby & Sons: A Brief History

Malby & Sons was a prominent British lithographic printing and map-making firm in the 19th century, best known for their high-quality globes, maps, and atlases. The firm was founded by Thomas Malby and later operated by his sons. They became well-regarded for their work in cartography, especially during the Victorian era, when the demand for accurate and beautifully crafted maps and globes was high due to imperial expansion, exploration, and the increased interest in geography.

Key Aspects of Malby & Sons:

1. Founding and Early History

Thomas Malby established the firm in London in the early 19th century. The business gained a reputation for its lithographic printing, a technique that allowed for detailed and precise map production. Lithography was becoming the dominant method for map printing in the 19th century, replacing older techniques like copperplate engraving.

2. Specialisation in Globes and Maps

Malby & Sons were particularly well known for producing globes of varying sizes. Their globes were widely used in educational settings, as well as by explorers and the general public. They produced both terrestrial and celestial globes, reflecting the 19th-century fascination with global exploration and astronomy.

In addition to globes, they printed detailed maps and atlases. These included maps of the British Empire, individual countries, and world maps. Their work was appreciated for its clarity, accuracy, and aesthetic appeal. Many of their maps were used for educational purposes or hung in schools and libraries as teaching aids.

3. Lithographic Techniques

Malby & Sons used lithography, a printing process that involves drawing on a flat stone or metal plate with an oil-based medium, which is then treated with chemicals to allow for ink to adhere to the drawn areas. This method allowed for a higher level of detail in mapmaking compared to earlier engraving techniques and was much faster and more cost-effective, making it ideal for mass-producing maps and globes.

The firm’s lithographic work extended beyond maps, and they were known for producing a variety of printed materials, though their maps and globes remain their most recognised contributions.

4. Reputation and Influence

By the mid-19th century, Malby & Sons had established themselves as one of the leading British firms in map and globe production. Their work was important during a time when Britain’s imperial interests and global navigation required precise and reliable cartographic information.

Their globes, in particular, were highly valued not only for their practical use but also as decorative objects in homes, schools, and public institutions. The globes reflected the latest discoveries and political changes, which were especially important during the era of colonial exploration and the “Scramble for Africa.”

5. Educational and Commercial Importance

The company catered to both the educational market and private consumers. As geography became a more important subject in schools, maps and globes became essential teaching tools, and Malby & Sons played a significant role in supplying this demand.

Their products were also in demand among explorers, merchants, and navigators, reflecting the Victorian fascination with travel, exploration, and global commerce. The firm’s maps and globes were often updated to reflect new geographical discoveries, shifting political boundaries, and advancements in science.

6. Decline and Legacy

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, competition from other mapmakers and technological advancements in printing eventually contributed to the decline of firms like Malby & Sons. However, their contributions to cartography and the popularisation of globes during the 19th century left a lasting legacy.

Today, Malby globes and maps are considered collectors’ items, highly valued for their historical significance and craftsmanship. Many are held in private collections, libraries, and museums, where they are appreciated not only as tools of education and exploration but also as works of art.

Conclusion

Malby & Sons Lithographers was a key player in the 19th-century British map-making industry, specialising in the production of high-quality globes and maps. Their work reflected the growing importance of geography and exploration during the Victorian era, driven by the expansion of the British Empire and the increasing need for accurate and detailed cartographic information. Their globes, in particular, remain valuable artefacts of the period and continue to be appreciated for their aesthetic and educational qualities.

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