An original illustrated chart published by the Working Men's Educational Union. A lithographic print in black ink on calico, with colour hand tinting. The image has a maritime theme, portraying ships circumnavigating the globe, with the location of Great Britain highlighted in red. In the lower right corner it is annotated - 'Published by Working Men's Educational Union 1852', and '35 Skinner Street, Snow Hill, London'. This address served as one of the Union's  primary depositories and retail premises where their educational banners and lecture keys were stored and sold. This example is an early one, but it is in remarkable condition for its age. There are some creases where it has been folded, but these could be ironed out when mounted in a frame.
 
The Working Men's Educational Union was a philanthropic society founded in 1851 by Benjamin Scott to provide education for the working classes. These hanging diagrams were used in their lectures to illustrate the latest advances in knowledge. They were printed on cotton to avoid paper duty, as well as making them reusable.