Rare Old Map of British Isles Temperature & Rainfall by Bartholomew, 1922: Vegetation, Railways, Climate

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of early 20th-century geography with "British Isles - Vegetation & Climate," a meticulously crafted map by the esteemed cartographer JG Bartholomew. Created in 1922, this map is a vivid portrayal of the diverse landscapes and climatic nuances of the British Isles. Bartholomew, often hailed as "the Prince of Cartography," brings his unparalleled expertise to this work, showcasing his dedication to detail and artistic flair. This map is not just a geographical representation but a historical artifact that captures the essence of the British Isles during a transformative period in history.

The map vividly illustrates various land types, including grasslands, cultivated lands, hill pastures, moorlands, and woodlands, each meticulously color-coded for easy distinction. It offers a window into the agricultural and natural landscapes that defined the British Isles in the early 20th century. The detailed labeling of towns and cities provides a comprehensive view of the human settlements that dotted the landscape, reflecting the urbanization and development of the era. This map is a testament to Bartholomew's ability to blend scientific accuracy with artistic beauty.

In addition to its detailed portrayal of vegetation, the map features seven inset maps that provide invaluable climate data. These insets include temperature readings for January and July, actual annual temperatures, and rainfall data for the same periods. This climatic information offers a deeper understanding of the environmental conditions that influenced the lives and livelihoods of the inhabitants of the British Isles. The inclusion of such data underscores Bartholomew's commitment to creating maps that are not only visually stunning but also scientifically informative.

The geographical scope of the map encompasses the entire British Isles, including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. It highlights significant bodies of water such as the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, Irish Sea, and English Channel, as well as the intricate network of rivers and straits that crisscross the region. The topographical shading indicates various hill and mountain ranges, adding a layer of depth and realism to the map. The detailed depiction of railway and road networks further enhances its utility and historical value.

This map is not merely a tool for navigation but a piece of history that offers insights into the climatic and geographical conditions of the British Isles in the early 20th century. It reflects the scientific knowledge and cartographic skills of JG Bartholomew, whose work continues to be celebrated for its precision and artistry. Owning this map is like holding a piece of history in your hands, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest cartographers of his time.

Cities and towns on this map

• United Kingdom:
• London
• Birmingham
• Glasgow
• Liverpool
• Manchester
• Edinburgh
• Leeds
• Sheffield
• Bristol
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Cardiff
• Belfast
• Republic of Ireland:
• Dublin
• Cork
• Limerick
• Galway

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• Shetland Islands
• Temperature in January
• Temperature in July
• Temperature actual annual
• Rainfall in January
• Rainfall in July
• Rainfall mean annual
• Bodies of water:
• Atlantic Ocean
• North Sea
• Irish Sea
• English Channel
• Borders:
• National borders between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
• Mountains:
• Various hill and mountain ranges indicated by topographical shading
• Other notable features:
• Vegetation types indicated by color coding
• Detailed railway and road networks

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: British Isles - Vegetation & Climate
• Creation date: 1922
• Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: John George Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer and geographer, often referred to as "the Prince of Cartography." He was known for his detailed and artistic maps.
• Themes and topics shown on the map:
• Land types: Grassland, cultivated land, hill pasture, moorland, woodland, etc.
• Climate data: Temperature and rainfall for different months and annual averages.
• Vegetation: Distribution of various vegetation types across the British Isles.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Republic of Ireland
• Design or style context:
• Full-color thematic map
• Includes detailed labeling of towns and cities
• Features seven inset maps for additional climate-related data
• Historical significance/context:
• Reflects early 20th-century understanding of geography and climate.
• Provides insight into the agricultural and climatic conditions of the British Isles during the post-World War I era.

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 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.

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.