Pring's 'Geological Map of Somerset (Archive ref: LDGSL/484/1). Still with its original cover, the map has split down the folds. Over the years it has been subject to various patches and repairs but more splits along the folds have appeared.

This lithographed map of Somerset was self published by John Daniel Pring in 1852. The base is lithographed but hand coloured by Pring himself. Little is known about Pring other than that he was a geologist based around Taunton. He sent in a number of papers and sections to the Society but never joined (although he did enquire once about the fees).

Pasted onto our copy is a letter from Pring donating the map. Curiously he stated that it was not designed to be as accurate as the newly issued Survey maps. In his version he had added the syenite and Devonian rock he observed but said was missing from the Survey’s version.

Pring claimed that the map had sold well, however very few copies of it survive to the present day.

Conservation

The map is dirty and torn with numerous old tape repairs along the folds. The map will need to be detached from the original cover and dry and wet cleaned. The old tapes will be removed and repaired with archival standard materials. The map will then be put back together again. Cost of conservation: £500.

If you would like to sponsor the conservation of this item, please contact the Library team at library@geolsoc.org.uk.