Rare Old Map of Newfoundland by Arrowsmith, 1884: St. John's, Great Bank, Trinity Bay, Rivers, Electoral Districts

The Island of Newfoundland map, crafted by the esteemed cartographer John Arrowsmith in 1884, is a remarkable testament to the art and science of mapmaking in the late 19th century. This hand-colored masterpiece originates from Stanford's London Atlas Of Universal Geography, a prestigious collection known for its detailed depiction of global political and physical divisions. The map not only highlights the electoral districts of Newfoundland but also elegantly showcases the island's intricate geography, from its rugged coastlines to its sprawling rivers, all set against the Prime Meridian at Greenwich.

John Arrowsmith, a luminary in the field of cartography, was renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to mapmaking. His collaboration with Edward Stanford Ltd. resulted in an atlas that expanded the boundaries of geographic knowledge at the time. The map of Newfoundland is a prime example of this collaboration, reflecting the rich cartographic history and the evolving understanding of the world during that era. Arrowsmith's legacy is evident in the precision and artistry of this map, making it a coveted piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

The design of the map is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with hand-colored details that bring the political and physical features of Newfoundland to life. Electoral districts are clearly marked, providing insight into the political landscape of the time. The map also features notable geographical elements such as the Great Bank of Newfoundland, and bays like Trinity Bay and the Bay of Islands, which are crucial to understanding the island's natural environment and maritime history.

Newfoundland's towns and cities, including St. John's, Harbour Grace, and Bonavista, are prominently displayed, offering a glimpse into the island's human geography. These settlements, some of which remain significant today, are depicted with precision, reflecting their importance in the region's history and development. The map also captures the island's rivers and inlets, highlighting the vital waterways that have shaped Newfoundland's economy and culture over the centuries.

This map is not just a geographical document; it is a window into the past, revealing the historical context and significance of Newfoundland during a pivotal time in its history. The combination of political, physical, and cultural elements makes this map an invaluable resource for understanding the island's legacy. Its exquisite design and historical depth make it a standout piece in any collection, embodying the elegance and expertise of 19th-century cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• St. John's
• Harbour Grace
• Carbonear
• Bonavista
• Twillingate
• Fogo
• Trinity
• Placentia
• Ferryland
• Burin
• Fortune

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Electoral districts: Clearly marked, highlighting political divisions.
• Rivers: Several rivers are labeled, indicating important waterways.
• Bays: Notable bays such as Bay of Islands and Trinity Bay are marked.
• Banks: Features like the Great Bank of Newfoundland are shown.
• Geographical features: Includes inlets and coastal features.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: The Island of Newfoundland
• Date created: 1884
• Mapmaker/Publisher: John Arrowsmith, with publication by Edward Stanford Ltd.
• Historical significance: Part of Stanford's London Atlas Of Universal Geography, showcasing political and physical divisions globally.
• Design style: Hand-colored, folded map highlighting electoral districts, cities, towns, and rivers.
• Prime Meridian: Set at Greenwich.
• Collection context: Originates from a renowned atlas collection, expanded from John Arrowsmith's original set.
• Atlas details: Partial folio edition believed to be part of a special limited release in 1884.

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 100in (250cm). 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 16in (40cm) 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 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.