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same period, this piece reflects the cartographic techniques and styles of the early 20th century, making it a valuable historical document as well as a work of art.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.

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.