Rare Old OS Map of Mull, Argyll by Bartholomew, 1901: Tobermory, Ben More, Duart Castle, Loch na Keal, Iona Abbey, Sound of Mull

Sheet 10 - Mull, crafted by the esteemed cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterpiece of early 20th-century mapmaking. Bartholomew, known for his innovative and high-quality maps, created this detailed half-inch to the mile scale map to cater to the burgeoning interest in cycling and tourism. The map's original title reflects its focus on the Isle of Mull and its surroundings, capturing the essence of this rugged and picturesque region of Scotland. The map's clarity and precision, combined with its use of color to represent terrain, make it not only a practical tool for travelers but also a work of art.

The design of this map is particularly notable for its use of color gradation to depict landscape relief. Different layers of color bands elegantly show land at varying heights, providing a clear and visually appealing representation of the region's topography. This innovative approach was a hallmark of Bartholomew's maps, setting them apart from others of the period. The map's landscape orientation further enhances its readability and aesthetic appeal, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts of historical cartography.

Bartholomew's map is rich in detail, showcasing the political boundaries and physical features of the Isle of Mull and its environs. It highlights the intricate coastline, numerous lochs such as Loch Scridain, Loch na Keal, and Loch Buie, and the imposing Ben More mountain. The map also captures the Sound of Mull and the Ardmeanach Peninsula, providing a comprehensive view of the region's natural beauty. This level of detail not only aids in navigation but also offers a fascinating glimpse into the geography of early 20th-century Scotland.

In addition to its natural features, the map also marks significant historical and cultural landmarks. Duart Castle, a prominent fortress on the Isle of Mull, and Iona Abbey, a site of immense historical and religious significance on the Isle of Iona, are both clearly indicated. These landmarks, along with the Treshnish Isles and the Sound of Iona, add depth and context to the map, making it a valuable resource for historians and cultural enthusiasts alike.

The towns and settlements depicted on the map, such as Tobermory, Salen, Craignure, and Bunessan on the Isle of Mull, as well as Oban and Fort William in the surrounding areas, provide a snapshot of the human geography of the time. These towns, ordered by modern-day population, offer insight into the region's development and the distribution of its inhabitants. The map's meticulous detail and historical context make it an indispensable tool for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Scotland's past.

Cities and towns on this map

• Isle of Mull:
• Tobermory
• Salen
• Craignure
• Bunessan
• Fionnphort
• Lochdon
• Dervaig

• Pennyghael

• Surrounding Areas:

• Oban
• Fort William
• Ardgour
• Strontian
• Lochaline

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Natural Features:
• Loch Scridain
• Loch na Keal
• Loch Buie
• Loch Spelve
• Loch Don
• Loch Aline
• Sound of Mull
• Ardmeanach Peninsula
• Ross of Mull
• Ben More (mountain)
• Sound of Iona
• Loch Sunart
• Isle of Iona
• Treshnish Isles
• Loch Linnhe
• Loch Leven

• Loch Eil

• Historical and Cultural Features:

• Duart Castle (located on the Isle of Mull)
• Iona Abbey (located on the Isle of Iona)

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 10 - Mull
• Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
• Creation date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: John George Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer and geographer, known for his innovative and high-quality maps. Bartholomew's maps were often characterized by their clarity, precision, and use of color to represent terrain.
• Extra notes:
• A clear, attractive, and colorful 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.
• The half-inch maps were distinctive for using different layers of color to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of color bands used to show land at different heights.
• The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Design and style:
• The map uses a landscape orientation.
• It employs a gradation of color bands to show land at different heights, providing a clear visual representation of terrain.
• Historical significance:
• The map is part of Bartholomew's flagship series, which were highly regarded for their accuracy and aesthetic appeal.
• It reflects the early 20th-century interest in outdoor activities such as cycling 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.