Rare Old OS Map of Dumfries & Cumbria by Bartholomew, 1901: Border, Solway Firth, Carlisle, Hadrian's Wall, Skiddaw, Lochmaben

Sheet 2 - Solway District, crafted by the esteemed cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterful representation of the British Isles at a half-inch to the mile scale. Bartholomew, often hailed as "the Prince of Cartographers," brought his unparalleled expertise and aesthetic sensibility to this map, making it a flagship piece in his celebrated series. The map's meticulous detail and clarity made it a favorite among cyclists and tourists of the early 20th century, capturing the essence of the Solway District with precision and elegance.

The map employs a distinctive method of color gradation to depict landscape relief, a pioneering technique at the time. Different layers of color represent various land heights, creating a visually striking and informative representation of the terrain. This innovative approach not only enhances the map's aesthetic appeal but also provides valuable insights into the region's topography. The base map, derived from a reduced Ordnance Survey map, ensures accuracy and reliability, reflecting Bartholomew's commitment to quality and detail.

Covering parts of southern Scotland and northern England, the map highlights significant geographical features such as the Solway Firth, River Nith, River Annan, and River Esk. The majestic hills and mountains, including Criffel, Skiddaw, and Helvellyn, are prominently displayed, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty of the region. The map also showcases key transport infrastructure, with numerous railway lines and major roads crisscrossing the landscape, illustrating the connectivity and accessibility of the area during that period.

The map's depiction of natural parks and forests, such as the Forest of Ae, Mabie Forest, and the partially visible Galloway Forest Park, underscores the region's rich natural heritage. Bodies of water like Lochmaben, Castle Loch, and Kielder Water add to the map's allure, highlighting the diverse and picturesque landscapes that define the Solway District. Historical landmarks, including Hadrian's Wall, Caerlaverock Castle, and Sweetheart Abbey, are also featured, offering a window into the area's storied past and cultural significance.

Cities and towns such as Dumfries, Annan, Carlisle, and Keswick are meticulously marked, providing a comprehensive overview of the human settlements within the region. This map not only serves as a practical guide for travelers and historians but also as a testament to Bartholomew's cartographic prowess. The combination of detailed political boundaries, physical landscapes, and historical landmarks makes Sheet 2 - Solway District a valuable and captivating addition to any collection of antique maps.

Cities and towns on this map

• Scotland:

• Dumfriesshire:

  • Dumfries
  • Annan
  • Lockerbie
  • Moffat
  • Langholm
  • Gretna
  • Ecclefechan
  • Lochmaben
  • Thornhill
  • Sanquhar
  • Kirkconnel
  • Canonbie

• England:

• Cumberland:
  • Carlisle
  • Brampton
  • Longtown
  • Wigton
  • Maryport
  • Cockermouth
  • Aspatria
  • Silloth
  • Keswick

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Geographical Features:
• Solway Firth
• River Nith
• River Annan
• River Esk
• River Eden
• Criffel (hill)
• Skiddaw (mountain)

• Helvellyn (mountain)

• Transport Infrastructure:

• Numerous railway lines crisscrossing the region

• Major roads and pathways

• Natural Parks and Forests:

• Forest of Ae
• Mabie Forest

• Galloway Forest Park (partially visible)

• Bodies of Water:

• Lochmaben
• Castle Loch

• Kielder Water (partially visible)

• Historical Landmarks:

• Hadrian's Wall (partially visible)
• Caerlaverock Castle
• Sweetheart Abbey

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 2 - Solway District
• Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
• Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: John George Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer and geographer, often referred to as "the Prince of Cartographers." His work is known for its precision and aesthetic appeal. Bartholomew's maps were popular among cyclists and tourists, and this series became his flagship.
• Date of creation: 1901
• Design and style:
• Landscape relief: The map uses a distinctive method of layering different colors to represent landscape relief, with a subtle gradation of color bands to show land at various heights.
• Base map: The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Orientation: The map is oriented in landscape format.
• Topics and themes:
• Political and physical features: The map details both political boundaries and physical landscapes.
• Tourism and cycling: These maps were especially popular with cyclists and tourists due to their clarity and detail.
• Countries and regions shown:
• Scotland: The map covers parts of southern Scotland, including the Solway District.
• England: The northernmost regions of England, particularly the area around the Solway Firth.
• Historical significance:
• Innovative cartography: This map is an example of early 20th-century cartographic innovation, using color gradation to depict terrain.
• Tourism and travel: Reflects the growing popularity of outdoor activities like cycling and tourism in the early 1900s.

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, 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 The Unique Maps Co.

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.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

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 4,000 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.