Old Gulf of Tunis Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Tunisia, Biserte, Port Farina

The Gulf of Tunis and Biserte: A Navigational Masterpiece by William Heather

Embark on a historical voyage with "The Gulf of Tunis and Biserte," a remarkable nautical chart crafted by the esteemed cartographer William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational tool but a window into the early 19th-century Mediterranean maritime landscape. It meticulously delineates the Gulf of Tunis, capturing the intricate coastline and the strategic maritime locations of Tunis, Biserte, and Port Farina. The chart's orientation, with south at the top, deviates from conventional mapping norms of the period, offering a unique perspective that enhances its navigational utility and historical intrigue.

William Heather's work on this chart is part of his broader endeavor, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," which marked the first English foray into compiling a collection of Mediterranean ports. Heather's charts stand out for their precision and aesthetic quality, a testament to the advanced British engraving techniques of the time, notably executed by London engraver John Stephenson. This chart, in particular, showcases detailed soundings, anchorages, and currents, essential for safe navigation, making it a vital tool for mariners navigating these waters.

The chart's historical significance is profound, serving as a bridge between different maritime traditions. While the Mediterranean had seen earlier portolan charts from French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers, Heather introduced the meticulous British engraving craft to this genre. His work provided an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy, setting a new standard in maritime cartography. This chart is not only a navigational aid but also a piece of maritime history, illustrating the evolution of nautical charting techniques and the exchange of cartographic knowledge across Europe.

In terms of design and style, "The Gulf of Tunis and Biserte" is a masterpiece of cartography. The use of the Mercator projection ensures that mariners could use the chart effectively, with lines of latitude and slightly curved lines of longitude providing essential geographic information at a glance. The detailed topographical features, combined with the depth measurements in fathoms, offer a comprehensive view of the maritime landscape, crucial for any navigator at the time.

Collectors and historians alike will find immense value in this chart, not only for its practical navigational uses but also as a cultural artifact. It represents a pivotal moment in the history of cartography, where the meticulous British techniques met the rich maritime traditions of the Mediterranean. Owning this chart is akin to possessing a piece of maritime history, a testament to the skill and dedication of early 19th-century cartographers and the enduring allure of the sea.

Notable Places on This Map

• Tunis
• Biserte
• Port Farina

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map shows the coastline of the Gulf of Tunis and Biserte.
• Includes detailed soundings, anchorages, and currents.
• Water depths are shown in fathoms.
• Oriented with south at the top, which is unusual for maps of this time period.

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802.
• Part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English collection of Mediterranean ports.
• Notable for its finely engraved details, a hallmark of advanced British cartographic techniques of the era.
• Represents a significant English contribution to Mediterranean maritime charting, previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers.

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 50in (125cm). 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.

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.

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We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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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.