Old Bay of Majorca Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Lazarette Tower, Porreira Tower, Almacen

Immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean with "The Bay of Majorca," a meticulously detailed nautical chart crafted by the esteemed English cartographer William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a piece of art, showcasing Heather's dedication to enhancing English nautical cartography. The chart features the intricate coastline of Majorca, an island celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and strategic maritime significance. Heather's work is part of his pioneering endeavor, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," marking the first English compilation of Mediterranean ports, a bold challenge to the earlier French, Italian, and Spanish dominions in maritime mapping.

This chart is particularly valuable for its depiction of key maritime and topographical features. It details soundings, anchorages, and navigational aids like compass roses and scale bars, essential for sailors navigating these waters in the early 19th century. The inclusion of pictorial representations of towns and fortresses, notably around Palma, the vibrant capital of Majorca, adds a layer of visual depth and historical context, making it a fascinating snapshot of the period's geographic and military details.

Prominent landmarks such as Lazarette Tower, Porreira Tower, Almacen, and St. Catharine are elegantly engraved, highlighting Heather's attention to detail and his commitment to accuracy and utility in his charts. These features not only served as crucial navigational aids but also as points of interest that tell tales of the island's past, from its role in maritime trade to its architectural heritage.

The rarity of this chart adds immensely to its allure and collectible value. As a part of Heather's ambitious "The New Mediterranean Pilot," this chart represents a significant moment in cartographic history. It stands out for its fine engraving, a testament to the high-quality craftsmanship of London engraver John Stephenson, whose work helped set a new standard in the clarity and precision of maritime charts.

Owning "The Bay of Majorca" chart is not just about possessing a rare piece of history; it's about connecting to a time when maritime exploration and cartography were pivotal to the expansion and understanding of the world. This chart is an invitation to explore not just the physical landscape of Majorca but also the evolution of map-making and its impact on navigation and trade in the Mediterranean. For collectors and enthusiasts of cartography, maritime history, or simply the enchanting island of Majorca, this chart is a prized acquisition that embodies the spirit of exploration and the enduring allure of the sea.

Notable places on this map

• The coastline of Majorca, including bays and headlands
• Several towns and cities, including Palma, the capital of Majorca

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Lazarette Tower
• Porreira Tower
• Almacen
• St. Catharine
• Soundings, topographical features, and anchorages
• Pictorial representation of the town and fortress

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802
• Part of "Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean
• Finely engraved chart, notable for its detail and clarity
• Represents a significant moment in cartographic history, showcasing early English contributions to Mediterranean maritime charts

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.

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.