Rare Old Map of British Isles Lifeboat Stations, 1935: Historic RNLI Chart

Embark on a maritime journey through time with the "Life-Boat Chart of the British Isles," a thematic and pictorial map that serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Created in 1935, this map is not merely a navigational tool but a historical artifact that illuminates the vital role of lifeboat stations in safeguarding the mariners and coastal communities of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. The RNLI, founded in 1824, has been a beacon of hope, saving over 140,000 lives with its fleet of lifeboats. This map, with its detailed depiction of lifeboat stations, stands as a tribute to the courage and dedication of those who have braved the treacherous waters to save others.

The map's design is both simple and evocative, featuring a blue background that mirrors the vast expanse of the sea, while the red and black text highlights the locations of lifeboat stations with clarity and precision. Each station is marked with a small boat icon, a symbolic representation of hope and rescue in the face of distress. The decorative border, adorned with a rope and a life preserver, frames the chart, adding a touch of elegance and emphasizing the map's thematic focus on maritime safety and rescue operations.

Notably, the "Life-Boat Chart of the British Isles" is more than a geographical representation; it is a historical document that captures a moment in time when the RNLI's life-saving operations were crucial for maritime navigation and safety. The reference table and notes, including poignant messages like "In distress" and "Cannot save ship - take people off," provide insight into the challenges faced by mariners and the lifeboat crews' heroic efforts to overcome them. This map offers a unique perspective on the technological and operational aspects of lifeboat stations in the mid-20th century.

The map's historical significance is further enriched by its coverage of a wide array of locations, from the bustling ports of Dover and Plymouth to the serene beauty of the Scilly Isles and The Lizard. It serves as a guide to the coastal geography of the British Isles, highlighting major cities, towns, and geographical features, as well as the strategic placement of lifeboat stations along the coast. This extensive coverage underscores the RNLI's comprehensive approach to maritime safety, ensuring that no corner of the British Isles was left unprotected.

In conclusion, the "Life-Boat Chart of the British Isles" is not just a map; it is a historical artifact that offers a window into the past, showcasing the enduring spirit of the RNLI and its lifesaving legacy. It invites viewers to reflect on the importance of maritime safety, the advancements in life-saving technology, and the selfless acts of bravery that have characterized the RNLI's mission since its inception. This map is a must-have for collectors, historians, and anyone fascinated by the rich maritime heritage of the British Isles.

Places on this map

• Ireland
• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Isle of Man
• Channel Islands
• North Sea
• Atlantic Ocean
• Irish Sea
• Celtic Sea
• St. George's Channel
• North Channel
• Moray Firth
• Firth of Forth
• Firth of Clyde
• Solway Firth
• Cardigan Bay
• Bristol Channel
• The Wash
• Humber Estuary
• Thames Estuary
• English Channel
• Strait of Dover
• Dover
• Folkestone
• Hastings
• Eastbourne
• Brighton
• Worthing
• Bognor Regis
• Selsey Bill
• Portsmouth
• Southampton
• Bournemouth
• Poole
• Swanage
• Weymouth
• Exmouth
• Teignmouth
• Brixham
• Dartmouth
• Plymouth
• Looe
• Fowey
• Mevagissey
• Falmouth
• Port Isaac
• Padstow
• Newquay
• St. Ives
• Sennen Cove
• St. Mary's
• Scilly Isles
• Penlee
• Porthleven
• Porthoustock
• Coverack
• Cadgwith
• The Lizard
• Baltimore

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map is a chart of the British Isles, showing the location of lifeboat stations around the coast.
• The map is surrounded by a decorative border featuring a rope and a life preserver.
• The title of the map is "Life-Boat Chart of the British Isles" and is located at the top of the map.
• The map is oriented with north at the top.
• The map shows the coast of the British Isles in detail, with major cities, towns, and geographical features labeled.
• The map also shows the location of lifeboat stations around the coast, with each station represented by a small boat icon.
• The map includes a reference table in the lower right corner, which provides information about the different types of lifeboats and their locations.
• The map also includes a note that reads, "In Distress - Cannot save ship - Take people off."

Historical and design context

• The map was created in 1935.
• It is a thematic map, focusing on the location of lifeboat stations.
• The map provides a valuable snapshot of the location of lifeboat stations around the coasts of the British Isles in 1935.
• The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the largest charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man as well as on some inland waterways.
• The RNLI was founded in 1824 and is one of the oldest lifeboat charities in the world.
• The RNLI operates a fleet of over 200 lifeboats and has saved over 140,000 lives since its foundation.
• The map's design is relatively simple, with a blue background and red and black text.

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 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.