Our most recent commission was a full county map, and one that got us scratching our heads at first. We were asked to create a map of Meath, which is a very flat county, so not ideal for a 3D map! After a video chat with the client, we found out they were keen hikers, and 2 of their favourite locations for hill walks were the Mourne Mountains in Louth, and the Wicklow Mountains. After a few drafts we settled on a map covering all of County Meath as well as both sets of mountains, with Dublin Bay included to provide a splash of blue for balance. We also made the decision to inlay County Meath using the bamboo grain rotated 90 degrees, allowing the county to subtly stand out without detracting from the overall look of the map.
Our first step was for Maeve to analyse the topographic data of such a big area, and to filter down the contours required to capture the essence of the landscape covered by the map. We work to fit as much detail as possible into our frames, and this involved creating 21 individual layers of detailed topographic and street data.
Once we had the information, Aran then splits these layers into files that we can cut from our sheets of bamboo, including ensuring all the little pieces are suitable to both cut and glue together. After cutting, the layers of blue for the sea, and the inlays for lakes, are all hand sanded and stained in our signature Atlantic Blue stain, then the assembly begins! Every layer and piece is sanded before being glued together by hand, the roads are used to align the parts correctly, and tweezers are often used for the smaller pieces! Its like a huge jigsaw without a box, so the final result doesnt reveal itself until it is complete, even to us! Assembly of the Meath maps took about 2 weeks, as the reversed grain inlay of County Meath caused a bit of head scratching from time to time.
Fine brass pins were used to pick out the home addresses of both clients, and a third one for their current home where this big map will hang.
Once the layers were complete and the glue set, we then made and painted our custom frame, using our super-matte black paint. This is a durable and striking surround to the maps, creating a zone of negative space around the pale and textural bamboo layers.
This big map weighed in at 18kg once complete, so we fitted an aluminium rail on the back that makes it super simple to hang, and is more than strong enough for a large art piece such as this.
We were delighted with the result, and it is always a privledge to work on a map with so much meaning to the new owner.
Wicklow Mountains and Dublin City
Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough
Due to the size, time needed and deeply personal nature of these big commissions, we can only create a few every year, feel free to get in touch if you were considering a unique piece for your home! Contact us here
