Rare Old Bird’s-Eye Map of Brooklyn by Bornet, 1855: Naval Yard, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Williamsburg, Lower Manhattan
Restored in our London workshop from the original 1855 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Printed and framed in Australia
Restored from the original 1855 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
Choose your size
Choose your finish
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
Own a piece of history
8,000+ five-star reviews
Step into the dynamic world of mid-19th century New York with “City of Brooklyn, L.I. Taken from Rush Street,” a rare and...
Continue readingStep into the dynamic world of mid-19th century New York with “City of Brooklyn, L.I. Taken from Rush Street,” a rare and evocative bird’s-eye view crafted by the accomplished artist and lithographer John Bornet in 1855. This remarkable map captures Brooklyn at a transformative moment, poised between its pastoral roots and burgeoning industrial future. The vantage point from Williamsburg sweeps southeast across the Brooklyn Naval Yard, offering a panoramic tableau that encompasses not only the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO but also the iconic skyline of Lower Manhattan shimmering across the East River.
What makes this city map particularly compelling is its seamless blend of semi-rural tranquility and urban ambition. In the foreground, one finds evocative scenes of farmsteads and open land—remnants of Brooklyn’s agrarian past—while just beyond, the city’s pulse quickens with dense clusters of warehouses, bustling piers, and the imposing presence of the Brooklyn Naval Yard. Here, large warships anchor the scene, underscoring the area’s strategic and economic significance during a period of national growth and maritime prowess.
Bornet’s artistry is evident in every detail, from the meticulous rendering of individual buildings to the lively depiction of ships and commerce along the East River. The map’s perspective not only offers a comprehensive view of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods—such as the elegant Brooklyn Heights and the industrious DUMBO waterfront—but also highlights the intricate network of streets that would soon define the borough’s urban fabric. Notable thoroughfares like Fulton Street, Myrtle Avenue, and Washington Street are clearly labeled, providing a fascinating snapshot of the city’s evolving geography.
This map stands as a testament to Brooklyn’s rapid transformation during the 1850s, a decade when the city was expanding both in population and in economic might. The presence of significant landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Naval Yard, alongside the bustling river traffic, illustrates the city’s dual identity as both a center of industry and a gateway to the wider world. The careful inclusion of Lower Manhattan in the distance serves as a poignant reminder of the close ties between these two urban giants, even before the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
John Bornet, the artist behind this view, was renowned for his skill in capturing the spirit of New York’s cityscapes. His dual role as both artist and lithographer ensured that each element of the map—from the delicate shading of the semi-rural outskirts to the architectural precision of urban blocks—was rendered with exceptional clarity and historical fidelity. Today, this map is celebrated not only for its rarity but also for its vivid portrayal of a city on the cusp of modernity, making it a prized addition for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Streets and roads on this map
- Adams St.
- Atlantic St.
- Bridge St.
- Clinton Ave.
- Clinton St.
- Concord St.
- Court St.
- Cumberland St.
- DeKalb Ave.
- Duffield St.
- Flushing Ave.
- Franklin Ave.
- Fulton Ave.
- Fulton St.
- Gold St.
- Hicks St.
- Hudson Ave.
- Jay St.
- Lafayette Ave.
- Main St.
- Myrtle Ave.
- Nassau St.
- Navy St.
- Pacific St.
- Pearl St.
- Portland Ave.
- Rush St.
- Sands St.
- Tillary St.
- Washington St.
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Brooklyn Naval Yard (clearly depicted with large warships)
- Lower Manhattan skyline (visible in the background)
- Numerous sailing ships and steamships in the East River
- Brooklyn Heights
- Williamsburg
- DUMBO (area near the waterfront)
- Semi-rural farmstead and agricultural buildings in the foreground
- Industrial buildings and warehouses near the waterfront
- Detailed depiction of ships and maritime activity in the East River
Historical and design context
- Name of the map: City of Brooklyn, L.I. Taken from Rush Street
- Date of creation: 1855
- Mapmaker and publisher: John Bornet, a skilled New York viewmaker who was both the original artist and lithographer of this map
- Perspective and viewpoint: Bird's-eye view from Williamsburg, looking southeast over the Brooklyn Naval Yard toward Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Lower Manhattan
- Geographical coverage: Primarily depicts Brooklyn (including Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Williamsburg, and the Brooklyn Naval Yard) and Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States
- Style and design: Two-stone lithographed pictorial bird's-eye view, a popular style in the mid-19th century, emphasizing detailed illustrations of buildings, ships, and urban landscapes
- Themes and topics: Urban development, industrialization, commerce, maritime activity, and semi-rural life in mid-19th century Brooklyn
- Historical significance: Provides a rare visual record of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan during a period of rapid growth and transition from rural to urban-industrial landscapes. The presence of large warships emphasizes the strategic and economic importance of the Brooklyn Naval Yard at the time
- Rarity: This map is considered very rare, with known examples held by prestigious institutions such as the New York Public Library, Museum of the City of New York, and Yale Art Gallery
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.
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.
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.
Step into the dynamic world of mid-19th century New York with “City of Brooklyn, L.I. Taken from Rush Street,” a rare and evocative bird’s-eye view crafted by the accomplished artist and lithographer John Bornet in 1855. This remarkable map captures Brooklyn at a transformative moment, poised between its pastoral roots and burgeoning industrial future. The vantage point from Williamsburg sweeps southeast across the Brooklyn Naval Yard, offering a panoramic tableau that encompasses not only the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO but also the iconic skyline of Lower Manhattan shimmering across the East River.
What makes this city map particularly compelling is its seamless blend of semi-rural tranquility and urban ambition. In the foreground, one finds evocative scenes of farmsteads and open land—remnants of Brooklyn’s agrarian past—while just beyond, the city’s pulse quickens with dense clusters of warehouses, bustling piers, and the imposing presence of the Brooklyn Naval Yard. Here, large warships anchor the scene, underscoring the area’s strategic and economic significance during a period of national growth and maritime prowess.
Bornet’s artistry is evident in every detail, from the meticulous rendering of individual buildings to the lively depiction of ships and commerce along the East River. The map’s perspective not only offers a comprehensive view of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods—such as the elegant Brooklyn Heights and the industrious DUMBO waterfront—but also highlights the intricate network of streets that would soon define the borough’s urban fabric. Notable thoroughfares like Fulton Street, Myrtle Avenue, and Washington Street are clearly labeled, providing a fascinating snapshot of the city’s evolving geography.
This map stands as a testament to Brooklyn’s rapid transformation during the 1850s, a decade when the city was expanding both in population and in economic might. The presence of significant landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Naval Yard, alongside the bustling river traffic, illustrates the city’s dual identity as both a center of industry and a gateway to the wider world. The careful inclusion of Lower Manhattan in the distance serves as a poignant reminder of the close ties between these two urban giants, even before the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
John Bornet, the artist behind this view, was renowned for his skill in capturing the spirit of New York’s cityscapes. His dual role as both artist and lithographer ensured that each element of the map—from the delicate shading of the semi-rural outskirts to the architectural precision of urban blocks—was rendered with exceptional clarity and historical fidelity. Today, this map is celebrated not only for its rarity but also for its vivid portrayal of a city on the cusp of modernity, making it a prized addition for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Streets and roads on this map
- Adams St.
- Atlantic St.
- Bridge St.
- Clinton Ave.
- Clinton St.
- Concord St.
- Court St.
- Cumberland St.
- DeKalb Ave.
- Duffield St.
- Flushing Ave.
- Franklin Ave.
- Fulton Ave.
- Fulton St.
- Gold St.
- Hicks St.
- Hudson Ave.
- Jay St.
- Lafayette Ave.
- Main St.
- Myrtle Ave.
- Nassau St.
- Navy St.
- Pacific St.
- Pearl St.
- Portland Ave.
- Rush St.
- Sands St.
- Tillary St.
- Washington St.
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Brooklyn Naval Yard (clearly depicted with large warships)
- Lower Manhattan skyline (visible in the background)
- Numerous sailing ships and steamships in the East River
- Brooklyn Heights
- Williamsburg
- DUMBO (area near the waterfront)
- Semi-rural farmstead and agricultural buildings in the foreground
- Industrial buildings and warehouses near the waterfront
- Detailed depiction of ships and maritime activity in the East River
Historical and design context
- Name of the map: City of Brooklyn, L.I. Taken from Rush Street
- Date of creation: 1855
- Mapmaker and publisher: John Bornet, a skilled New York viewmaker who was both the original artist and lithographer of this map
- Perspective and viewpoint: Bird's-eye view from Williamsburg, looking southeast over the Brooklyn Naval Yard toward Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Lower Manhattan
- Geographical coverage: Primarily depicts Brooklyn (including Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Williamsburg, and the Brooklyn Naval Yard) and Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States
- Style and design: Two-stone lithographed pictorial bird's-eye view, a popular style in the mid-19th century, emphasizing detailed illustrations of buildings, ships, and urban landscapes
- Themes and topics: Urban development, industrialization, commerce, maritime activity, and semi-rural life in mid-19th century Brooklyn
- Historical significance: Provides a rare visual record of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan during a period of rapid growth and transition from rural to urban-industrial landscapes. The presence of large warships emphasizes the strategic and economic importance of the Brooklyn Naval Yard at the time
- Rarity: This map is considered very rare, with known examples held by prestigious institutions such as the New York Public Library, Museum of the City of New York, and Yale Art Gallery
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.
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.
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.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
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 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
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. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
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.
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