Restorers can breathe easy after 17th century map goes on display

SYDNEY - A 17th century map of Australia, predating British settlement, has gone on display for the first time after suffering extensive damage while purportedly housed for hundreds of years in a Swedish warehouse.

The map, which was once so fragile restoration experts refrained from even breathing on it, is one of just two known wall maps of Australia to have survived the 350 years since being created during the period of Dutch exploration.

The map is known as the "Birth certificate of New Holland" and is on display at the National Library of Australia in Canberra.