1987 The Cayman Islands
DESCRIPTION
This vibrant pictorial map of the Cayman Islands was illustrated by Barbara Spurll and published in 1985 by Quill Studios, in Ontario, Canada. Designed at the height of the Caribbean tourism boom of the 1980s, the map presents a lively, cartoon-style panorama of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, surrounded by the crystal-blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Spurll’s playful and meticulous illustration captures the islands’ unique blend of tropical beauty, recreation, and culture through hundreds of miniature vignettes, each labeled in cheerful handwritten text that invites close exploration.
The largest of the three, Grand Cayman, dominates the composition with an energetic depiction of island life. Viewers can find Seven Mile Beach, the Cayman Turtle Farm, George Town with its bustling harbor, luxury resorts, and cruise ships, as well as the colorful storefronts and restaurants that line the waterfront. Across the island, Spurll fills every space with scenes of everyday activity such as divers exploring coral reefs, parasailers above the turquoise sea, sunbathers, fishermen, and even a hang glider soaring above the coast. A vintage Cayman Airways airplane arcs across the center of the map, symbolizing the ease of arrival from abroad, while the surrounding sea teems with boats, sea turtles, and the occasional pirate ship.
Humor and detail abound throughout the composition, from playful caricatures of islanders and tourists to whimsical touches like pirates waving from galleons and scuba divers encountering curious marine life. The smaller islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are shown with similar charm, highlighting their quiet beaches, limestone cliffs, and reputation as peaceful getaways. The surrounding waters are alive with motion, reinforcing the islands’ deep connection to the sea and maritime history. This work bursts with carefree optimism of the time when the Cayman Islands were emerging as a premier destination for leisure and adventure travelers alike.
CONDITION
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622