Old Map of North Holland by Visscher, 1690: Amsterdam, Alkmaar, Hoorn, Beverwijk, Purmerend
Only 1 in stock
-
Handmade in the UK
![]()
Your map will be handmade in the UK
The Unique Maps Co. is a UK-based company that prints, frames, personalises and delivers maps all around the world.
If the delivery address is in the UK, your map will be printed and framed here.
If the delivery address is outside the UK, I will print and frame the map outside of the UK. I have local production facilities in 22 countries.
This is great for gifting. For example, you can buy a map for someone in Singapore, and I'll make and deliver the map locally in Singapore with no tax or duty to be paid by the recipient.
-
Free delivery
in 2 to 3 days
Delivery in 2 to 3 days
Your map should be delivered in 2 to 3 working days with free delivery.
Express delivery is available at checkout which can reduce the delivery time to 1 to 2 days.
Please note that personalised maps, and larger framed maps, can take longer to produce and deliver.
If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, contact me and we can discuss your options.
-
Premium hardwood frames
Premium hardwood frames
My framed maps are handmade by professional, experienced framers from sustainably sourced hardwoods.
This means your framed map will feel solid and well-made.
My standard frame colours (black, dark brown, white, oak and gold) are available for all map sizes worldwide.
Custom framing is available for an additional fee.
-
Certified sustainable +
we plant trees🌳
Sustainability & Tree Planting
Here at The Unique Maps Co., we have an unusually high affinity for paper. After all, without paper, there can be no maps!
That's why all of our paper, frames and packaging are from FSC certified sources.
But we don't stop there. We've partnered with Treeapp to plant trees around the world.
If you spend £50 or more, we'll plant a tree in your name.
- 5 stars 'Excellent' rating on Trustpilot
- Best size: 16x20in (40.5x51cm) or larger
Custom map sizes are available
At The Unique Maps Co., every order is processed and made by hand. There is no mass production and every map is custom made to order.
This means that I can tailor your map so that it perfectly fits a space on your wall, or a frame that you already own.
To order a custom sized map, select the size closest to what you need, and then select 'customise the size?' from the options below.
Custom sizing is free for large maps over 100cm or 40 inches, but for smaller maps there will be an additional small fee.
Need help ordering?
Call the workshop 9am to 5pm, or WhatsApp me any time.
Looking for a map of your city?
I can make a personalised old map of most places in the world. Contact me for more info.
Or try searching for something!
This exquisite map, titled 'Noordt Hollandt', is a fascinating historical artifact that offers a detailed view of North Holland, a significant region in the modern-day Netherlands. Crafted by the renowned mapmaker Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690, this map provides an in-depth look at the geographical layout and political divisions of the time.
The map features several notable cities and landmarks that have played pivotal roles in the history of the Netherlands. Amsterdam, the capital city, is prominently displayed, reflecting its historical importance as a major center of trade and culture. Alkmaar, known for its cheese market, Hoorn, a significant seaport during the Dutch Golden Age, Beverwijk, home to one of the largest flower auction centers, and Purmerend, a market town that dates back to the 13th century, are all intricately detailed.
'Noordt Hollandt', translated to 'North Holland', indicates the map's geographical focus. This region, known for its flat landscape, windmills, tulip fields, and canals, was a key area during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of great wealth and cultural achievement. The map, therefore, offers a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of this remarkable region.
In addition to the cities, the map also outlines the political divisions of the period. These divisions, often based on natural landmarks such as rivers and coastlines, played a crucial role in shaping the history and development of the Netherlands. This map, therefore, is not just a geographical representation, but also a valuable historical document that provides insights into the political landscape of the time.
This 'Noordt Hollandt' map by Nicolaes Visscher II is a must-have for any history or cartography enthusiast. It is a unique piece that combines historical significance, artistic craftsmanship, and geographical detail, offering a window into the past of one of Europe's most fascinating regions.
Some of the significant locations shown on this map:
Cities and Towns
- Amsterdam: Known as the "Venice of the North" for its extensive canals. The city was a leading center for finance and diamonds during the 17th century.
- Alkmaar: Famous for its traditional cheese market. It was granted city rights in 1254.
- Hoorn: A significant seaport in the Dutch Golden Age. It was founded in 716 and received city rights in 1357.
- Beverwijk: Known for the Bazaar, the largest indoor market in Europe. The town received city rights in 1276.
- Purmerend: A market town dating back to the 13th century. It was granted city rights in 1410.
- Haarlem: Known for its historical architecture. It was granted city rights in 1245.
- Zaandam: Known for its windmills, it was an important shipbuilding center in the 17th century.
- Enkhuizen: An important harbor town in the 17th century. It was granted city rights in 1355.
- Medemblik: The oldest city in West Friesland. It was granted city rights in 1289.
- Monnickendam: Known for its well-preserved old town. It was granted city rights in 1355.
- Edam: Famous for its cheese market. It was granted city rights in 1357.
- Volendam: A popular tourist attraction known for its old fishing boats.
- Broek in Waterland: Known for its wooden houses. It was a prosperous whaling village in the 17th century.
- Marken: Known for its characteristic wooden houses.
- Muiden: Known for the Muiderslot, a castle located on the mouth of the Vecht river.
- Weesp: Known for its historical buildings and canals. It was granted city rights in 1355.
- Naarden: Known for its star-shaped fort, it was an important military base in the 17th century.
- Hilversum: Known for its radio and television broadcasting stations.
- Bussum: A commuter town and former municipality in the province of North Holland.
- Huizen: Known for its architecture, it was a village of farmers, fishermen, and seafarers.
- Laren: Known for its history as an artist colony.
- Blaricum: Known for its many monumental farm buildings.
- Heemskerk: Known for its horticulture.
- Castricum: Known for its beach and dune landscape.
- Uitgeest: Known for the oldest mill in the Netherlands.
- Heiloo: Known for its pilgrimage church.
- Egmond: Known for its three parts: Egmond-Binnen, Egmond aan den Hoef, and Egmond aan Zee.
- Bergen: Known for its artistic history.
- Schoorl: Known for its wide dunes.
- Den Helder: Known for its naval base.
Natural Landmarks
- IJsselmeer: The largest lake in Western Europe.
- Zaan River: Known for the industrial windmills along its banks.
- North Sea: The body of water to the west of North Holland.
- Markermeer: A large freshwater lake separated from the IJsselmeer by the Houtribdijk.
- Wadden Sea: An intertidal zone in the southeastern part of the North Sea.
Historical Events
- Tulip mania (1637): The first recorded speculative bubble in history.
- Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652-1674): A series of conflicts fought between the English and the Dutch for control over trade routes and colonies.
- Disaster Year (1672): The Dutch Republic was simultaneously attacked by France, England, Münster, and Cologne.
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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.
My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).
In all cases 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.
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.
A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.
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.
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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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.
My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.
I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps
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.
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 1,500 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.
