Rare Old OS Map of South Devon by Bartholomew, 1901: Exeter, Torquay, Dartmoor, Exe Estuary, Start Point, Torbay

Step into the captivating world of early 20th-century cartography with "Sheet 36 - South Devon," a masterful creation by the renowned JG Bartholomew. This exquisite map, produced in 1901, epitomizes the elegance and precision of Bartholomew's work, which became the hallmark of his celebrated half-inch to the mile series. Designed with cyclists and tourists in mind, this map offers a vivid portrayal of South Devon, combining both political and physical features in a visually stunning and informative manner. The meticulous use of colour bands to depict landscape relief showcases Bartholomew's innovative approach to cartography, making this map not only a navigational tool but also a work of art.

The mapmaker, JG Bartholomew, was a distinguished Scottish cartographer whose contributions to the field were both prolific and influential. Known for his attention to detail and aesthetic sensibility, Bartholomew's maps were highly regarded for their clarity and beauty. His work on the half-inch series, including this map of South Devon, was particularly significant as it catered to the burgeoning interest in outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking. Bartholomew's legacy in cartography is evident in the enduring appeal of his maps, which continue to be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

This map of South Devon is a treasure trove of geographical and historical information. It features a detailed representation of the region's topography, with the rugged terrain of Dartmoor National Park prominently displayed. The map also highlights the intricate network of rivers, including the Dart, Teign, and Exe, which meander through the lush countryside before emptying into the English Channel. Coastal features such as Start Point, Bolt Head, and Berry Head are meticulously marked, providing a comprehensive view of South Devon's diverse landscape. The use of colour gradation to indicate elevation adds depth and dimension, making the map both informative and visually appealing.

In addition to its physical features, the map also provides a snapshot of South Devon's human settlements at the turn of the 20th century. Cities and towns such as Exeter, Torquay, Paignton, and Newton Abbot are clearly marked, offering a glimpse into the region's urban landscape. Smaller towns like Totnes, Ivybridge, and Tavistock are also featured, reflecting the rich tapestry of communities that make up South Devon. The map's detailed depiction of roads and railways underscores the importance of transportation networks in connecting these settlements, facilitating travel and commerce in the region.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its geographical accuracy. It serves as a window into a bygone era, capturing the essence of South Devon at a time when the region was becoming increasingly accessible to tourists and adventurers. The map's design and execution reflect the technological advancements and artistic sensibilities of the early 20th century, making it a valuable artifact for historians and collectors. Whether you are drawn to its aesthetic beauty, historical context, or geographical detail, "Sheet 36 - South Devon" by JG Bartholomew is a remarkable piece that embodies the artistry and precision of classic cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Exeter (Modern-day population: ~130,000)
• Torquay (Modern-day population: ~65,000)
• Paignton (Modern-day population: ~50,000)
• Newton Abbot (Modern-day population: ~25,000)
• Exmouth (Modern-day population: ~35,000)
• Teignmouth (Modern-day population: ~15,000)
• Dawlish (Modern-day population: ~13,000)
• Totnes (Modern-day population: ~8,000)
• Ivybridge (Modern-day population: ~12,000)
• Tavistock (Modern-day population: ~12,000)
• Brixham (Modern-day population: ~16,000)
• Kingsbridge (Modern-day population: ~6,000)
• Salcombe (Modern-day population: ~2,000)
• Dartmouth (Modern-day population: ~5,000)
• Ashburton (Modern-day population: ~4,000)
• Okehampton (Modern-day population: ~7,000)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Dartmoor National Park
• Exe Estuary
• Teign Estuary
• Dart Estuary
• River Dart
• River Teign
• River Exe
• Start Point (prominent coastal feature)
• Bolt Head (prominent coastal feature)
• Berry Head (prominent coastal feature)
• Haldon Hills
• Blackdown Hills
• South Hams (area of outstanding natural beauty)
• Salcombe (estuary and coastal area)
• Kingsbridge Estuary
• Slapton Sands (beach and nature reserve)
• Torbay (bay area)
• Lyme Bay (bay area)
• Exmouth (coastal area)

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 36 - South Devon
• Scale and usage: 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.
• Landscape relief representation: The half-inch maps were distinctive for using different layers of colour to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands used to show land at different heights.
• Base map: The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Creation date: 1901
• Mapmaker or publisher: JG Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: JG Bartholomew was a prominent Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps. His work significantly influenced the field of cartography during his time.
• Themes shown on the map: The map details political and physical features, including topography, roads, railways, rivers, and coastal areas. It also highlights the landscape relief through colour gradation.
• Regions shown on the map: This map covers the South Devon region of England.
• Design and style: The map is designed in a landscape orientation, measuring approximately 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east. It features a detailed and colourful representation of the terrain, with distinct colour bands indicating different elevations.
• Historical significance: This map is part of Bartholomew's innovative series that catered to the growing popularity of cycling and tourism in the early 20th century. It reflects the advancements in cartographic techniques and the increased interest in detailed and accessible maps for the general public.

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.