Old Gulf of Valinco, Corsica Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Campo Moro, Porticciola Tower

Exploring the Nautical Chart "The Gulf of Valinco and Campo Moro"

Immerse yourself in the intricate details of "The Gulf of Valinco and Campo Moro," a masterful nautical chart crafted by the esteemed cartographer William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational tool but a historical artifact that captures the rugged beauty and strategic importance of the southeastern coast of Corsica. Oriented uniquely with the top to the east, it presents the Gulf of Valinco opening southwards, offering a distinct perspective that was crucial for the mariners of the era. The map's focus on practical navigational information, including depth soundings and coastal details, makes it an invaluable resource for understanding early 19th-century maritime navigation around Corsica.

Navigational Features and Coastal Detail

Heather's chart is a treasure trove of nautical information, meticulously detailing the bays of Campo Moro and the broader Gulf of Valinco. Sailors of the time relied on such charts for safe passage through these waters, noted for their complex coastlines and hidden dangers. The map shows an array of depth soundings and passages, essential for avoiding underwater hazards and navigating the intricate coastlines safely. Coastal features are also elaborately charted, with mountains, beaches, watering places, and historical towers clearly marked, providing not only navigational guidance but also insights into the land-based resources available to seafarers.

Historical and Geographical Significance

The chart holds significant historical value, offering a snapshot of the Valinco Gulf's geographical and cultural landscape in the early 1800s. Notable locations such as Porto Pollo, Propriano, and the iconic Porticciola Tower are depicted, which today hold cultural and historical significance as remnants of Corsica's maritime heritage. The detailed representation of these areas provides a fascinating glimpse into their past, reflecting their importance in local trade and defense during a time when maritime routes were vital lifelines for communities.

William Heather's Cartographic Legacy

William Heather was renowned for his dedication to the accuracy and detail of his nautical charts, which were indispensable to the sailors of his time. His work not only enhanced the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation but also contributed to the broader field of cartography by setting high standards for the accuracy and utility of nautical maps. This chart exemplifies his skill in blending art and science, creating a functional yet visually compelling document that has stood the test of time.

A Collector's Piece and Educational Resource

For collectors of historical maps, maritime enthusiasts, or scholars of cartographic history, "The Gulf of Valinco and Campo Moro" is more than a map—it is a portal to the past, offering a rich educational resource. It invites a deeper appreciation of the complexities of historical maritime navigation and provides a tangible connection to the maritime history of Corsica. This chart is not just a piece of history; it is a narrative of the lives of those who once navigated these waters, crafted by a master cartographer at the peak of his career.

Notable Places on This Map

• Valinco
• Porto Pollo
• Porto Propriano
• Bitorsima
• Tavaria
• Gulf of Valinco
• Gulf of Talane
• Porticciola Point
• Porticciola Tower
• Campo Moro
• Cape Senetoze
• Cape Campomoro
• Cape Nero
• Watch Tower
• Cala d'Orzo
• Tower

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map shows the coastline of the gulf, as well as the surrounding mountains and rivers.
• The map also shows the locations of several towns and villages, including Valinco, Porto Pollo, and Campomoro.
• The map is likely to have been used by sailors and navigators to help them navigate the Gulf of Valinco.
• The map is a valuable historical document that provides a glimpse into the past of this region.

Historical and Design Context

• The title of the map is "The Gulf of Valinco and Campo Moro."
• The map was created by William Heather in 1802.
• The map is oriented with the top to the east, such that the gulf opens southwards.
• The chart was produced for navigational purposes, and numerous depth soundings, passages, and coastal detail is shown.
• The map is designed in a nautical style, with a focus on practical information for navigators.
• The map is historically significant as it provides a detailed snapshot of the Valinco Gulf and the surrounding area in 1802.

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.

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.