Old Island of Corfu Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Albania Coast, Fort St. Stephen, Port Cavagol, Venetian Influence

Exquisite Cartographic Detail: The 1802 Chart of Corfu by William Heather

The 1802 chart titled "Island of Corfu" stands as a quintessential example of meticulous cartography by the renowned British hydrographer, William Heather. This rare chart, which graces the collection of Heather's seminal work, The New Mediterranean Pilot, delineates the strategic Ionian island of Corfu, along with the adjacent channel and the Albanian coast. The map is not merely a navigational aid but a rich historical document capturing the geopolitical and maritime significance of the region during the early 19th century. Heather's expertise in hydrography is evident in the precise soundings, anchorages, and navigational details that catered primarily to the needs of maritime pilots of the era.

Navigational Precision and Artistic Flair

Heather's chart is a masterpiece of both utility and aesthetics, characterized by its hand-colored engraving and detailed topographical portrayal. The orientation with northeast at the top is particularly intriguing, deviating from the conventional north-at-the-top orientation, which may reflect specific navigational practices of the time. The inclusion of soundings and detailed coastal features not only provided essential information for navigation but also highlighted Heather's commitment to accuracy and detail in his charts. The artistic flair is evident in the subtle coloring and the delicate rendering of the coastal outlines, making it not only a tool for navigation but also a work of art.

A Portal to the Past

This chart offers a window into the historical context of Corfu and its surroundings in 1802. At this time, Corfu was a pivotal maritime hub in the Ionian Sea, influenced heavily by Venetian, French, and British sovereignties over the centuries. The map meticulously marks significant landmarks such as Fort St. Stephen and Port Cavagol, echoing the Venetian architectural and maritime legacy. The depiction of tiny yet significant islands like Vido, Paxos, and Antipaxos further enriches the narrative, illustrating their roles in the maritime routes and defensive strategies of the era.

Heather's Legacy in Nautical Cartography

William Heather's contribution to nautical cartography is profoundly captured in this chart. As a prominent figure in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Heather specialized in creating detailed maritime charts that were indispensable for safe navigation. His works, particularly those published in The New Mediterranean Pilot, are celebrated for their precision and reliability. This chart of Corfu is a testament to Heather's legacy, showcasing his skill in blending scientific accuracy with detailed craftsmanship, a hallmark that made his charts highly valued among seafarers and collectors alike.

Rarity and Collectible Value

The rarity of this chart amplifies its value significantly, making it a prized possession for collectors and historians. As noted, charts from Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot are exceedingly rare, and this chart of Corfu is no exception. Its appearance on the market is a rare event, offering an exclusive opportunity for connoisseurs of cartography to own a piece of maritime history. The chart is not only a navigational tool but also a collectible artifact that captures the essence of an era when maritime exploration and cartographic precision were paramount in understanding and traversing the complex waters of the Mediterranean.

This chart, with its rich historical context and exquisite cartographic detail, is more than just a map; it is a bridge to the maritime past, crafted by one of the luminaries of nautical chart-making.

Notable Places on This Map

• The island of Corfu, located in the Ionian Sea.
• The town of Corfu, which is the capital of the island.
• The island of Vido, located just off the coast of Corfu.
• The island of Paxos, located to the south of Corfu.
• The island of Antipaxos, located to the south of Paxos.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Fort St. Stephen, built by the Venetians in the 16th century to protect the island from Ottoman invasion.
• Port Cavagol, a major port on the island during the Venetian period.

Historical and Design Context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: William Heather, a British hydrographer known for his detailed charts and books on navigation.
• Published Date: 1802.
• Historical Significance: Provides a detailed snapshot of the Island of Corfu, the channel between Corfu and Albania, and the coast of Albania in 1802.
• Design or Style: Hand-colored engraving, oriented with northeast at the top, drawn in a detailed and realistic style.
• Part of: Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot, an important work of nautical cartography from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
• Rarity: Charts from Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot are extremely rare on the market.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.