Rare Old OS Map of Ayrshire & Clydesdale by Bartholomew, 1901: Kilmarnock, Irvine, Clyde, Uplands, Railways, Relief

Step back in time with the exquisite "Sheet 4 - Ayr & Clydesdale," a masterful creation by the renowned cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901. This map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative techniques of early 20th-century cartography. Designed at a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720), it was a favorite among cyclists and tourists of the era. The map's distinctive use of color layers to represent landscape relief offers a visually stunning and highly detailed portrayal of the Ayr and Clydesdale regions, capturing the essence of the Scottish landscape with unparalleled precision.

J.G. Bartholomew, often hailed as the 'Prince of Cartographers,' was a pivotal figure in the world of mapmaking. His work was characterized by an exceptional level of detail and accuracy, drawing from the Ordnance Survey maps of the period. Bartholomew's maps were not just tools for navigation but also works of art, celebrated for their aesthetic appeal and scientific rigor. This particular map showcases his innovative approach to depicting terrain, with subtle gradations of color that highlight the varied elevations and topographical features of the region.

The map of Ayr and Clydesdale is a rich tapestry of historical and geographical significance. It intricately details the major rivers such as the Clyde, Ayr, and Doon, which have shaped the region's history and development. The Southern Uplands and the Lowther Hills are prominently featured, their rugged terrain captured in exquisite detail. The map also highlights key transportation routes of the time, including the extensive railway networks that were the lifeblood of the industrial era, connecting bustling towns and fostering economic growth.

Ayrshire and Clydesdale, as depicted in this map, are regions steeped in history and natural beauty. From the coastal towns of Ayr and Irvine to the inland settlements of Lanark and Biggar, the map provides a comprehensive view of the human settlements that dotted the landscape. The lush green forests and woodlands, particularly in the southern and western parts, are meticulously rendered, offering a glimpse into the region's rich natural heritage. This map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a historical document, reflecting the socio-economic landscape of early 20th-century Scotland.

The design and style of this map are a testament to Bartholomew's genius. The use of color to denote different elevations is both practical and visually appealing, making it easy to understand the terrain at a glance. The careful attention to detail in the depiction of roads, railways, rivers, and topographical features speaks to the high standards of accuracy and artistry that Bartholomew set for himself. This map is not just a representation of a region; it is a window into the past, offering a detailed and beautiful snapshot of Ayr and Clydesdale as they were over a century ago.

Cities and towns on this map

Ayrshire:

• Ayr
• Kilmarnock
• Irvine
• Cumnock
• Girvan
• Troon
• Maybole
• Prestwick
• Ardrossan
• Saltcoats
• Largs
• Kilwinning
• Stevenston
• Dalry
• Beith
• Stewarton
• Newmilns
• Darvel
• Galston
• Mauchline
• Tarbolton
• Dalmellington
• Drongan
• Annbank
• Coylton
• Auchinleck
• Sorn
• Ochiltree
• Patna
• Crosshill
• Minishant
• Mossblown
• Monkton
• Dundonald
• Dreghorn
• Springside
• Knockentiber
• Dunlop
• Kilmaurs
• Fenwick
• Hurlford
• Crookedholm

Clydesdale:

• Lanark
• Carluke
• Biggar
• Lesmahagow
• Kirkmuirhill
• Douglas
• Coalburn
• Forth
• Carstairs
• Carnwath
• Symington
• Abington
• Leadhills
• Crawford
• Elvanfoot
• Rigside
• Wiston
• Lamington

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers and Water Bodies:
• River Clyde
• River Ayr
• River Irvine
• River Doon
• Loch Doon
• Loch Riecawr
• Loch Finlas
• Loch Gower
• Railways:
• Multiple railway lines connecting various towns and regions, indicative of the industrial era's transportation infrastructure.
• Topographical Features:
• Southern Uplands
• Lowther Hills
• Tinto Hill
• Cairn Table
• Forests and Woodlands:
• Extensive green areas indicating forests and woodlands, particularly in the southern and western parts of the map.
• Roads:
• Major and minor roads crisscrossing the region, facilitating travel and trade.

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 4 - Ayr & Clydesdale
• Scale and usage:
• A clear, attractive and colorful map at the half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720).
• These maps were popular with cyclists and tourists, and became Bartholomew's flagship series.
• The half-inch maps were distinctive for using different layers of color to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of color bands used to show land at different heights.
• Creation date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher:
• Created by J.G. Bartholomew, a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and innovative maps.
• Bartholomew's maps were often based on reduced Ordnance Survey maps from the same period.
• Themes and topics:
• Detailed political and physical map showing political boundaries, physical landscape features, and infrastructure such as roads and railways.
• The map highlights the topography with a focus on elevation and terrain through color gradation.
• Regions shown:
• Covers regions in Scotland, specifically Ayr and Clydesdale.
• The map spans (182) miles from north to south and (262) miles from west to east.
• Design and style:
• Landscape orientation.
• Uses color layers to represent different heights of the landscape, enhancing the visual appeal and readability.
• Based on Ordnance Survey maps, ensuring high accuracy and detail.
• Historical significance:
• Reflects the early 20th-century cartographic techniques and the importance of maps for tourism and cycling.
• Showcases the development of transportation networks and the detailed study of regional topography during that period.

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.