The Harbor of Corfu by William Heather, 1802

Immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean with "The Harbor of Corfu," a meticulously detailed chart created by the esteemed British cartographer William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a window into the early 19th-century seafaring world, showcasing Heather's commitment to enhancing the accuracy and aesthetic of nautical maps. As part of Heather's groundbreaking work, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," this chart represents the first English endeavor to systematically document the Mediterranean's ports, a task previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers.

Navigational and Topographical Details

The chart is exquisitely detailed, orienting the viewer with the southwest at the top, a unique feature that sets it apart from conventional map orientations. It includes critical navigational information such as soundings, anchorages, and currents, essential for the sailors of the time. The topographical features are delicately engraved, highlighting not only the harbor but also the surrounding areas including the city of Corfu, the serene island of Vido, and the broader mainland of Greece. This level of detail provides a comprehensive view of the area, reflecting the strategic importance of Corfu as a maritime hub in the Ionian Sea.

Architectural and Geographic Highlights

The map is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, meticulously documenting key structures such as the Old and New Fortresses of Corfu, Venetian architectural marvels that have guarded the town since the Venetian period. It also charts lesser-known islands like Vido, Lazzaretto, Condogliano, Pontikonisi, and Spartivento, each with its own story and significance in the tapestry of Corfu's maritime history. These elements not only add to the map's utility but also its intrigue, inviting viewers to explore the layers of history each site represents.

Artistic Merit and Rarity

Beyond its practical applications, the chart is a work of art, notable for its fine engraving by John Stephenson, a renowned London engraver whose monogram adds a mark of quality and prestige. The artistic style of the chart, with its detailed compass rose and scale bar, reflects the high standards of cartography in the early 19th century. The rarity of this chart adds to its allure; as an extremely rare piece on the market, it holds significant value for collectors and historians alike, representing a unique piece of maritime history.

Historical and Collectible Value

"The Harbor of Corfu" is more than just a chart; it is a historical document that captures a moment in time, offering insights into the maritime capabilities and geographical knowledge of the early 1800s. For collectors, historians, and aficionados of nautical maps, this chart is a prized possession that not only enhances a collection but also serves as a continual source of exploration and discovery. Its inclusion in Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot" underscores its importance in the evolution of Mediterranean cartography, making it a must-have for those passionate about the history of mapmaking and navigation.

Notable Places on This Map

• The Island of Corfu, located in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece.
• The town of Corfu, the capital of the island, located on the eastern coast.
• The Old Fortress, a Venetian fortress located in the town of Corfu.
• The New Fortress, a Venetian fortress located on the eastern coast of the island.
• The Port of Corfu, located on the eastern coast of the island.
• The island of Vido, located just off the eastern coast of the island of Corfu.
• The island of Lazzaretto, located just off the eastern coast of the island of Corfu.
• The island of Condogliano, located just off the eastern coast of the island of Corfu.
• The island of Pontikonisi, located just off the eastern coast of the island of Corfu.
• The island of Spartivento, located just off the southern coast of the island of Corfu.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed soundings, anchorages, and currents essential for navigation.
• Topographical features that highlight the strategic maritime locations.
• A finely crafted compass rose and scale bar, enhancing the map's utility and aesthetic.

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802, as part of "The New Mediterranean Pilot."
• The first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean, following earlier French and Italian endeavors.
• Notably refined engravings by John Stephenson, a distinguished London engraver.
• Represents a significant advancement in the accuracy and detail of nautical charts of the Mediterranean region.
• Part of a rare collection, making it a valuable find for collectors and historians.

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.

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.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

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.

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 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.