Old Gulf of St. Tropez Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Fishing Huts, Forts, Navigational Aids
Only 1 in stock
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Handmade in the USA
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Your map will be handmade in the US
The Unique Maps Co. has state of the art production facilities in North Carolina and Michigan, and specialist large format facilities in New Jersey and California. Your map will be printed, framed and personalised in the US.
Making and dispatching maps locally keeps delivery times down (2 to 3 days) and means your map should always arrive in perfect condition.
I also have production hubs in 22 countries around the world, which means you can buy this map as a gift for someone and I will make and deliver the map locally. They won't have to pay any tax or import duty.
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Free delivery
in 2 to 3 days
Delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1 to 2 days.
Please note that personalised maps, and larger framed maps, can take longer to produce and deliver.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, contact me and we can discuss your options.
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Premium hardwood frames
Premium hardwood frames
My framed maps are handmade by professional, experienced framers from sustainably sourced hardwoods.
This means your framed map will feel solid and well-made.
My standard frame colours (black, dark brown, white, oak and gold) are available for all map sizes worldwide.
Custom framing is available for an additional fee.
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Certified sustainable +
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Sustainability & Tree Planting
Here at The Unique Maps Co., we have an unusually high affinity for paper. After all, without paper, there can be no maps!
That's why all of our paper, frames and packaging are from FSC certified sources.
But we don't stop there. We've partnered with Treeapp to plant trees around the world.
If you spend $60 or more, we'll plant a tree in your name.
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Custom map sizes are available
At The Unique Maps Co., every order is processed and made by hand. There is no mass production and every map is custom made to order.
This means that I can tailor your map so that it perfectly fits a space on your wall, or a frame that you already own.
To order a custom sized map, select the size closest to what you need, and then select 'customise the size?' from the options below.
Custom sizing is free for large maps over 100cm or 40 inches, but for smaller maps there will be an additional small fee.
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Immerse yourself in the maritime charm and historical depth of "The Gulf of St. Tropez," a rare nautical chart crafted by the esteemed British hydrographer William Heather in 1802. This exquisite piece not only delineates the intricate coastal contours of St. Tropez but also serves as a portal to the past, capturing the essence of the region during the early 19th century. The map is oriented with west at the top, a traditional naval chart orientation that adds to its authenticity and allure. This orientation reflects the practical needs of sailors and navigators of the time, for whom north might not have been the primary direction of travel.
This chart is particularly notable for its detailed depiction of the Gulf of St. Tropez, showcasing not only the natural beauty of the coastline but also key landmarks such as fishing huts on the slopes of St. Maxime. These modest structures are marked in stark contrast to the luxurious villas that dot the landscape today, providing a fascinating glimpse into the transformation of this now-glamorous Riviera destination. The map includes other significant elements like soundings, navigational aids, and the locations of various forts and religious institutions, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the maritime history of the area.
William Heather's work on this chart is part of his larger endeavor, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," which was the first English collection of Mediterranean port charts. Heather's charts stand out for their precision and aesthetic quality, a testament to the advanced British cartographic techniques of the period. The engraving, likely done by John Stephenson, is meticulous, with each line and letter crafted to contribute both function and form. This level of detail not only aided navigators but also turned these charts into works of art.
The historical significance of this map extends beyond its geographic accuracy. It represents a period when maritime exploration and detailed charting were crucial to trade, military strategy, and understanding of foreign shores. For collectors and enthusiasts of cartography, naval history, or French Riviera lore, this map offers a unique convergence of art, history, and science. Its rarity and the fine condition of the engraving add to its desirability as a collectible.
Owning "The Gulf of St. Tropez" is more than an acquisition of an antique map; it is an investment in a piece of history that captures the transformation of a significant Mediterranean locale. This chart is not just a navigational tool but a bridge to the past, inviting viewers to contemplate the changes over two centuries, from simple fishing huts to a bustling, world-renowned coastal haven. This map is an essential piece for any serious collector or anyone with a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of Mediterranean history.
Features on this map
- Detailed depiction of the Gulf of St. Tropez
- Includes coastal towns, landmarks, and depth soundings
- Shows locations of fishing huts, forts, churches, and roads
- Features navigational aids such as soundings and a compass rose
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Fishing Huts on the slopes of St. Maxime
- Forts and military installations
- Churches and religious institutions
- Prominent coastal features and harbors
Historical and design context
- Published in 1802 by William Heather, a renowned British hydrographer
- Part of "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English collection of Mediterranean ports
- Notable for finely engraved charts, many signed by John Stephenson
- Represents early 19th-century maritime navigation and cartography practices
- Illustrates significant historical changes in the region over more than 200 years
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.
My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).
In all cases 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.
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.
A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.
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.
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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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.
My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.
I source original, extremely rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.
My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.
I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.
I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.
Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps
Map personalisation
If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.
The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.
To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.
Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.
If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.
I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.
I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.
Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
