Rare Old OS Map of Glasgow & Clyde by Bartholomew, 1901: Loch Lomond, Firth of Clyde, Arrochar Alps, Trossachs, Dumbarton Castle

Step into the past with the exquisite "Sheet 7 - Glasgow & Clyde," a masterpiece created by the illustrious cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901. This map, a part of Bartholomew's flagship series, is renowned for its meticulous detail and vibrant aesthetics, capturing the essence of the Glasgow and Clyde region at the turn of the 20th century. Bartholomew, a pioneer in modern cartography, crafted this map with a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720), making it a favorite among cyclists and tourists of the era. His innovative use of layered colors to depict landscape relief is not only visually stunning but also provides a nuanced understanding of the region's topography.

The map's design is a testament to Bartholomew's cartographic genius, with a landscape orientation that spans 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east. The subtle gradation of color bands effectively illustrates the varying heights of the land, offering a clear and attractive representation of the region's physical features. This map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. The intricate detailing of transportation routes, including major railway lines and ferry routes, reflects the burgeoning infrastructure of early 20th-century Scotland.

One of the most captivating aspects of this map is its depiction of the natural beauty of the Glasgow and Clyde region. The majestic Loch Lomond, the serene Firth of Clyde, and the picturesque Gare Loch are just a few of the prominent water bodies that grace this map. The rugged landscapes of the Arrochar Alps and the Trossachs, along with the rolling hills of the Campsie Fells, are meticulously illustrated, providing a vivid portrayal of Scotland's diverse terrain. The inclusion of natural parks, such as the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, highlights the region's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

Historical landmarks are also prominently featured, adding a layer of cultural richness to the map. Dumbarton Castle, with its storied past, and the stately Inveraray Castle are marked, inviting viewers to delve into Scotland's rich history. The map also showcases several islands, including the Isle of Bute, the Isle of Arran, Great Cumbrae, and Little Cumbrae, each with its unique charm and significance. These features, combined with the detailed representation of the region's rivers, mountains, and other natural phenomena, make this map a treasure trove of historical and geographical information.

The cities and towns depicted on this map, such as Glasgow, Paisley, Greenock, and Dumbarton, provide a snapshot of urban development during this period. Glasgow, the bustling heart of the region, is shown in intricate detail, reflecting its status as a major industrial and cultural hub. Surrounding towns like Helensburgh, Clydebank, and Renfrew are also highlighted, offering insights into the region's expanding urban landscape. This map is not just a geographical representation; it is a window into the past, capturing the essence of a vibrant and historically significant region.

Cities and towns on this map

• Glasgow
• Paisley
• Greenock
• Dumbarton
• Helensburgh
• Clydebank
• Renfrew
• Port Glasgow

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Water Bodies:
• Loch Lomond
• Firth of Clyde
• Gare Loch
• Loch Long
• Holy Loch
• Loch Goil
• Sound of Bute
• River Clyde
• Geographical Features:
• The Arrochar Alps
• The Trossachs
• The Campsie Fells
• Transportation:
• Major railway lines
• Ferry routes
• Natural Parks:
• Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Historical Landmarks:
• Dumbarton Castle
• Inveraray Castle
• Islands:
• Isle of Bute
• Isle of Arran
• Great Cumbrae
• Little Cumbrae

Historical and design context

• Scale and design:
• A half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720).
• Popular among cyclists and tourists.
• Bartholomew's flagship series.
• Distinctive use of layered colors to represent landscape relief, with subtle gradation of color bands showing land at different heights.
• Date of creation: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: JG Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps. His work was influential in the development of modern cartography.
• Topics and themes:
• Detailed political and physical map.
• Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Shows landscape relief, transportation routes, and geographical features.
• Regions shown:
• Covers the Glasgow and Clyde region of Scotland.
• Spans 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east.
• Design and style:
• Landscape orientation.
• Clear, attractive, and colorful.
• Innovative use of color gradation for representing different land heights.
• Historical significance:
• Reflects early 20th-century cartographic techniques.
• Important for understanding historical geography and transportation networks in Scotland.
• Valuable for historical research and tourism.

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.