Rare Old OS Map of Shetland Islands by Bartholomew, 1901: Lerwick, Ronas Hill, Sullom Voe, Jarlshof, Fair Isle, Foula

Sheet 29 - Shetland Islands, crafted by the illustrious J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterful representation of cartographic art and precision. Known as the "Prince of Cartographers," Bartholomew's work is celebrated for its innovative use of colour and meticulous detail. This map, part of his renowned half-inch to the mile series, was designed with cyclists and tourists in mind, offering a vivid and accessible portrayal of the Shetland Islands. The map's clear and attractive design, coupled with its detailed political and physical features, made it a flagship piece in Bartholomew's esteemed collection.

The map's design is a testament to Bartholomew's genius, utilizing different layers of colour to represent landscape relief with subtle gradations that beautifully depict the varying heights of the land. This innovative approach not only enhances the map's aesthetic appeal but also provides an intuitive understanding of the terrain. Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, this piece reflects the cartographic techniques and styles of the early 20th century, making it a valuable historical document as well as a work of art.

Geographically, the map covers the Shetland Islands, a subarctic archipelago that is part of Scotland, United Kingdom. The detailed depiction includes notable geographical features such as St. Magnus Bay, Ronas Hill—the highest point on the islands, and the dramatic cliffs of Eshaness. The map also highlights significant sea inlets like Sullom Voe and Yell Sound, which are crucial to understanding the region's maritime geography. These features are meticulously illustrated, providing a comprehensive view of the islands' diverse landscapes.

The map also serves as a historical guide, marking important sites such as Jarlshof, a prehistoric and Norse settlement, and Scalloway Castle, a 16th-century fortress. The inclusion of these landmarks offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Shetland Islands. Additionally, the map identifies numerous lochs, voes, and smaller islands like Fair Isle and Foula, each with its own unique charm and significance. This level of detail underscores the map's value as both a navigational tool and a historical artifact.

Human settlements are prominently featured, with towns like Lerwick, Scalloway, and Brae marked with precision. These towns, along with others like Mid Yell and Baltasound, are positioned in relation to the natural features of the islands, providing a holistic view of the human and physical geography. The map's careful attention to both the natural and built environments makes it an indispensable resource for understanding the Shetland Islands as they were in the early 20th century. This map is not just a representation of geography; it is a window into the past, offering insights into the lives and landscapes of a bygone era.

Cities and towns on this map

• Mainland
• Lerwick (largest settlement, modern-day population approx. 7,000)
• Scalloway (modern-day population approx. 1,200)
• Brae (modern-day population approx. 700)
• Hillswick (modern-day population approx. 200)
• Sandwick (modern-day population approx. 1,000)
• Yell
• Mid Yell (modern-day population approx. 200)
• Unst
• Baltasound (modern-day population approx. 1,000)
• Whalsay
• Symbister (modern-day population approx. 500)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Geographical Features:
• St. Magnus Bay
• Ronas Hill (highest point on the Shetland Islands)
• Sullom Voe (a large sea inlet)
• Yell Sound
• Bluemull Sound
• The cliffs of Eshaness
• Muckle Flugga (northernmost point of the British Isles)
• Islands:
• Mainland (largest island)
• Yell
• Unst
• Fetlar
• Bressay
• Whalsay
• Fair Isle (inset map)
• Foula (inset map)
• Water Bodies:
• North Sea
• Atlantic Ocean
• Numerous lochs and voes (sea inlets)
• Historical Sites:
• Jarlshof (prehistoric and Norse settlement site)
• Scalloway Castle (16th-century castle)
• Clickimin Broch (Iron Age broch)

Historical and design context

• Scale and Purpose:
• A clear, attractive and colourful 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.
• Date of creation: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew
• Interesting context about the mapmaker:
  • John George Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer, often referred to as “the Prince of Cartographers.”
  • He was known for his innovative use of colour and elevation in maps.
• Design and Style:
• Utilizes different layers of colour to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands to show land at different heights.
• Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Historical Significance:
• Reflects the cartographic style and techniques of the early 20th century.
• Provides insight into the geography and political boundaries of the Shetland Islands during that period.
• Part of a series that was highly regarded for its clarity and detail, making it a valuable resource for tourists and cyclists of the time.

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 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.