Old Bay of Malaga Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Fortified Town, Cape Malaga, Bastiani Lighthouse

The Bay of Malaga: A Nautical Chronicle of 1802

The Bay of Malaga map, created by the esteemed London mapmaker William Heather in 1802, is a rare nautical chart that captures the essence of the southern coast of Spain during the early 19th century. This chart is not merely a geographical representation; it is a detailed guide through the strategic and bustling harbor of Malaga, showcasing the fortified town, the prominent Basniliana, and the iconic Cape Malaga. The meticulous engravings, signed by John Stephenson, enhance the chart's historical and artistic value, making it a masterpiece of maritime cartography.

This chart stands out due to its inclusion in Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," a pioneering work aimed at providing an exhaustive guide to the Mediterranean's ports. The map details navigational aids such as soundings, water depths in fathoms, and the locations of navigational hazards like the Mole and the Bastiani lighthouse. These features were crucial for sailors navigating these waters, reflecting the practical purpose of the chart amidst its aesthetic appeal.

The map is further enriched with the depiction of various navigational lines like the True Meridian, the Magnetic Meridian, and the Variation of the Compass. These elements not only provided essential information for navigation but also illustrate the advanced understanding of maritime geography at the time. The inclusion of such detailed navigational aids highlights the dual utility of the chart as both a tool for sailors and a detailed geographical record.

Historically, the chart is significant as it represents one of the few detailed antiquarian maps of St. Tropez, a region less frequently detailed in such depth during this period. Its rarity is underscored by its origin from Heather's collection, which was among the first English attempts to comprehensively chart the Mediterranean ports—a venture previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. Heather's charts are noted for their superior engraving quality, setting them apart from their European counterparts.

In conclusion, "The Bay of Malaga" by William Heather is not only a navigational aid but a historical document that offers a window into the maritime prowess and cartographical skills of early 19th-century England. It serves as a testament to the era's navigational challenges and the artistry in mapmaking, preserved through the finely detailed engravings by John Stephenson. This chart is a treasure for both maritime historians and collectors of rare maps, encapsulating a pivotal moment in the history of Mediterranean navigation.

Notable Places on This Map

• The town of Malaga
• Basniliana
• Cape Malaga
• The Mole

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Soundings (numbers showing water depths in fathoms)
• Navigational aids (a compass rose, currents, water channels, etc.)
• Location of watch towers
• Bastiani lighthouse
• True Meridian
• Magnetic Meridian
• Variation of the Compass

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802
• Part of "The New Mediterranean Pilot" published in London
• Finely engraved chart, signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
• One of the few antiquarian maps specifically of St. Tropez
• Represents a significant English contribution to Mediterranean maritime cartography, previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish efforts

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.