Time Zone Clocks Around the World by AK Johnston, 1906
Time Zones Around the World by AK Johnston, first published in 1906, is a fascinating antique colour lithograph that showcases the concept of global timekeeping through an intricate illustration of 50 clocks. Each clock represents a different city around the world, with London’s clock prominently positioned in the center displaying 12 noon. However, a curious feature of this artwork is that the clocks do not align with exact one-hour time zones—Paris, for instance, appears to be 10 minutes ahead at 12:10 PM, and Amsterdam’s clock shows 12:20 PM.
We offer you an exceptionally high-quality fine art print of this unique piece, lovingly restored and prepared by The Unique Maps Co. This print is available on gorgeously thick archival matte paper, ensuring longevity and that it won’t fade or wrinkle for decades. Moreover, you have the option to personalise and customise your print to make it uniquely yours.
Alexander Keith Johnston, a prolific Scottish geographer and cartographer, was known for his meticulous and elegant maps and illustrations in the 19th century. Johnston’s work was highly respected, and his atlases and globes were used in educational institutions worldwide. The “Times of All Nations” illustration is a testament to his skill not just in geography but in conveying time visually—a complex task he masterfully executed.
The artwork employs a beautifully subtle colour palette, using delicate shades to differentiate between various time zones. The clever design invites viewers to trace through the world’s cities and contemplate the differences in time—a precursor to the world’s standardisation of time zones. The intriguing aspect of non-uniform time differences shown in the clocks makes this artwork a conversation starter, adding an element of historical curiosity and aesthetic pleasure to any room.
Collectors and art enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance of this piece, which goes beyond mere aesthetics and enters the realm of educational and cultural heritage. It’s not just an artwork but a slice of history, making it a valuable addition to any collection or a unique focal point for home or office décor.
This timeless print would make a wonderful gift for a variety of occasions, including Christmas, Father’s Day, a housewarming, or even a work-leaving gift. Whether for history buffs, geography enthusiasts, or those with an appreciation for vintage illustrations, this print offers a captivating glimpse into the world of early 20th-century timekeeping.
If you’re not sure what size to order, or you’re looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.
You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.
You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this art print.
I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn’t available online, please get in touch.
This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
