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Notably, the "Life-Boat Chart of the British Isles" is more than a geographical representation; it is a historical document that captures a moment in time when the RNLI's life-saving operations were crucial for maritime navigation and safety.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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 5-year guarantee.

Read our 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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.