Frequently asked questions
Everything about the maps, personalising them, sizes, paper and delivery. Can’t find your answer? Email us.
What is a Map & Motto print?
It is a print of a genuine antique map of a UK or Irish town, city or county, with your own words set over it in bold capitals. You choose the map, type your words (up to 40 characters), pick a text colour and size, and we print it to order in the UK.
How old are the maps?
Most are late Victorian and Edwardian maps, roughly 1880 to 1910, many from G.W. Bacon’s county atlases and town plans. Some London sheets are slightly later. Where the year is known we show it on the map’s page.
Can I see exactly what I’ll get before I buy?
Yes. The preview on each map page is drawn by the same code that makes your print file, so the layout, line breaks and colour you see are what we print. You can also zoom in on the map detail and see it framed in six room settings.
What can I write on the map?
Anything up to 40 characters across up to three lines: a place name, a family motto, a date, a local saying or a private joke. We set it in our house style, centred in bold capitals. Press Enter to choose where the lines break.
What colours can the text be?
White, hot pink, ink black, navy, oxblood, forest green or ochre. White and hot pink are the most popular. Fluorescent pinks can print slightly softer than they look on a bright screen.
What sizes do you print?
7×5″, A5, A4, A3, A2, 65×45 cm, A1 and A0. A3 is our most popular size. Each map is only offered in sizes where our scan is sharp enough to print at full quality, so a few maps stop at A2 or A1.
Is there a discount for ordering more than one print?
Yes. Order two or more prints and you get 15% off every print except your most expensive one. It works across any maps, sizes and colours, including copies of the same print for family, and comes off automatically in your basket. It can’t be combined with other discount codes.
What paper do you use?
200gsm Enhanced Matte Art paper: a heavyweight, museum-quality fine art stock with a smooth matte finish and natural white tone. It shows off the fine engraved detail of the maps without glare.
Do prints come framed?
Not at the moment. Prints are sent unframed, ready for a standard frame (all our sizes are standard frame sizes). Frames in our room photos are for styling only.
How much is delivery and how long does it take?
UK delivery is free. Every print is made to order and usually dispatched within 1–3 working days, then typically arrives 2–4 working days later. You get a tracking link by email when it ships.
Will the watermark be on my print?
No. The faint Map & Motto watermark only appears on the website previews to protect the scans. Your print is made from our full-resolution, unwatermarked original.
What if my print arrives damaged?
Send us a photo within 7 days of delivery and we will reprint and resend it free of charge.
Can I return a personalised print?
Because each print is made to order with your own words, we can’t accept returns for change of mind. If there is a fault, a printing error or damage in transit, we will replace it.
My town isn’t listed. Can you still help?
Type your town, village or postcode into the search on any page: it shows every map that includes it. If none does, it shows the nearest maps, and you are welcome to email us to request one.