A particularly rare atlas dating from the late 17th century is set to make the world sit up and take notice in the next Fine Arts and Antiques Auction at Peter Francis in Carmarthen. Dated 1676, the atlas is by John Speed, probably the most famous and important of all British cartographers and entitled 'The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain'. The atlas, which is only occasionally seen in its complete form as most have been broken up to provide maps for framing and hanging when they were worth more individually, includes British counties and 'Prospect of the most famous parts of the World', as well as historical notes on each map and an extensive index. In its original uncoloured state, the volume features in the auction on March 27 and is expected to realise between £30,000 and £40,000. Worldwide interest is expected in this sale, which also features good Welsh dressers and other furniture, clocks, paintings, silver, sculpture, jewellery, Swansea and other ceramics, interesting collectables and books, plus maps.
