To celebrate five decades of the waterway that has shaped the geography and identity of the nation's capital, Canberra Times cartoonist David Pope has produced a commemorative map charting the lake's natural and man-made elements.

Pope's whimsical illustration depicts the beauty, history and mysteries of the lake's depths and shores, the landmarks that surround it and the recreational activities Canberrans enjoy in, on and around it.

Published in The Canberra Times on October 18, 2014, to mark the lake's 50th anniversary, Pope's tribute is also available to buy as a limited-edition reproduction on archival paper, framed or unframed.

Each copy is signed by Pope and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Editor-in-Chief of The Canberra Times, Rod Quinn. Strictly limited to 500 only.

THE ARTWORK

David Pope describes his illustration of Lake Burley Griffin as "a personal, whimsical and illustrative representation".

His elaborate visual tribute, composed by hand on his digital notepad, is designed to resemble an old-world map, but with the award-winning political cartoonist's whimsical sense of humour and trademark cheekiness dotted in every cove.

"I want to hark back to a time when illustrative elements were a stronger feature of maps and they did more than just convey information in a dry manner, but tell an emotional sense of the story," Pope said.

His playful style can be seen in every corner of the illustration, from a terrifying algae monster in the East Basin to a lycra-clad cyclist speeding through Stirling Park.

Of course it wouldn't be a true representation of Lake Burley Griffin without references to carp, birdlife, sailing boats and even the Skywhale.

The national institutions that surround the lake are represented, as is everyone's favourite lake event of yesteryear, the Birdman Rally.

"On one level the lake operates as a centrepiece for people visiting the town, but for people who live here it has a number of other values, whether it's as a recreation place or a site for contemplation," Pope said.

THE ARTIST

Canberra Times cartoonist David Pope has twice been named Australia's best cartoonist, winning the Gold Stanley Award in 2010 and 2012.

The annual awards of the Australian Cartoonists' Association, the Stanleys are described as the Oscars of Australian cartooning and recognise excellence in cartoon and comic strip art.

The prestigious Gold Stanley is awarded to the Cartoonist of the Year.

David has been drawing cartoons and illustrations for the alternative press in Australia since the mid-1980s.

He began drawing editorial cartoons for The Canberra Times in 2008, following the retirement of the much-loved Geoff Pryor after a 30-year career.

Before The Canberra Times, David was the editorial cartoonist for The Sun-Herald. His work has also appeared in The Republican, The Diplomat, The New Doctor, Overland, Arena, Common Cause and The AEU News.

David has received 10 Stanley Awards for his cartoons, illustrations and caricatures, and four Ranan Lurie Political Cartoon Awards from the UN Correspondents Association.

He has also received a Prodi journalism award for his political cartoons in The Northern Rivers Echo, and has been a finalist three times in the Walkley Journalism Awards.

In 2012 David was gonged Cartoonist of the Year by the Museum of Australian Democracy, as part of the Museum's annual exhibition of political cartoons, Behind the Lines.

So popular is Pope's daily political punchline with loyal Canberra Times readers, when the paper revamped its comment pages in May 2013, Pope's daily editorial cartoon was assigned pride of place on the front page of the section.

Pope's cartoon gallery at canberratimes.com.au is one of the website's most popular daily features. See the gallery here

SPECIFICATIONS

Image size: 47.7cm x 69.5cm

Paper size: 57.7cm x 79.5cm

Frame size: 65cm x 87cm

FRAME

A high-quality Malaysian-produced renewable plantation timber in satin black. The framed versions are classically proportioned and presented in a 3cm-wide frame with clear glass, backed by 100 per cent acid-free board.

PAPER

The high quality of the paper should ensure a life of more than 100 years if cared for properly. A museum-quality smooth cotton high white paper is used. It is 315 gsm with 100 per cent cotton linters and a silky smooth matte surface.

The surface coating is designed for high-quality fine art and photographic reproduction. The image is printed with archival quality Ultrachrome pigment-based inks by our printing partner, Vision Image Lab.

DELIVERY

You can pre-order your copy now. Delivery can take up to 25 working days.

Be sure to enter your correct email address when placing your order.

You will receive all notifications by email, including an initial order confirmation email, then a shipping confirmation email, which will include a tracking code from Australia Post. To track your item, you will need to go to the Australia Post website and enter the tracking number we send you by email.

PRICE

Unframed - $249. Standard frame - $399.

To order your copy go to: canberratimes.com.au/lake50