Old Straits of Messina Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Sicily, Reggio di Calabria, Fortifications

"A Chart of the Straits of Messina, with the Adjacent Coasts of Sicily and Calabria" stands as a remarkable testament to the art and science of early 19th-century cartography. Crafted meticulously by the British hydrographer William Heather in 1802, this chart is part of the pioneering "New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English-language navigational guide to the Mediterranean's complex maritime routes. This chart is not merely a navigational tool but an intricate depiction of the strategic waterway that separates Sicily from the Italian mainland, highlighting the critical role the Mediterranean played in global trade and military strategy during this era.

The chart's orientation, with west at the top, may initially disorient the modern viewer, yet it reflects the unique navigational perspectives of its time. It meticulously details soundings, currents, and anchorages, crucial for sailors navigating the perilous straits. The inclusion of topographical features and the careful labeling of towns such as Messina and Reggio, complete with their fortifications, transforms this chart into a rich historical document, offering insights into the geopolitical importance of these regions during the early 1800s.

William Heather's work is distinguished by its precision and aesthetic quality, attributes vividly demonstrated in this chart. The engravings, many signed in monogram by the renowned London engraver John Stephenson, are not only functional but artistically commendable. The decorative border, featuring a compass rose and scale bar, adds a layer of elegance, making this chart a valuable collectible for both historians and connoisseurs of cartographic art.

The chart also serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting the heightened tensions and the ever-present need for surveillance and defense mechanisms in a historically volatile region. The detailed representations of forts and towers underscore the military significance of the Straits of Messina, a key passage that has witnessed numerous historical conflicts. This chart does more than map out a geographic area; it tells the story of a region at the crossroads of civilizations, marked by conquests and cultural exchanges.

As a rare piece from Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot," this chart is a prized possession for any collector. Its rarity is underscored by the fact that original charts from this series are seldom seen on the market, making it not only a piece of history but also a wise investment. Its detailed craftsmanship and historical significance make it a standout representation of Mediterranean maritime history, capturing a moment in time when the mastery of these straits was synonymous with naval supremacy.

Notable Places on This Map

• Messina
• Regio (Reggio di Calabria)
• Sigla

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map depicts the Straits of Messina, a crucial maritime passage separating Sicily from mainland Italy.
• Detailed representations of various forts and towers built to protect the strait from invaders.
• The map is surrounded by a decorative border that includes a compass rose and a scale bar.

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802, a prominent British hydrographer and publisher known for his detailed charts and navigational guides.
• Part of Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English-language pilot guide to the Mediterranean Sea.
• The map is finely engraved, with many charts signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson.
• Provides a detailed snapshot of the Straits of Messina at a time when the Mediterranean Sea was a major trade route, reflecting the geopolitical importance of this region during the early 1800s.

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.

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.