Old Map of British Isles Lifeboat Stations, 1935: Historic RNLI Chart

Embark on a maritime journey through time with the "Life-Boat Chart of the British Isles," a thematic and pictorial map that serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Created in 1935, this map is not merely a navigational tool but a historical artifact that illuminates the vital role of lifeboat stations in safeguarding the mariners and coastal communities of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. The RNLI, founded in 1824, has been a beacon of hope, saving over 140,000 lives with its fleet of lifeboats. This map, with its detailed depiction of lifeboat stations, stands as a tribute to the courage and dedication of those who have braved the treacherous waters to save others.

The map's design is both simple and evocative, featuring a blue background that mirrors the vast expanse of the sea, while the red and black text highlights the locations of lifeboat stations with clarity and precision. Each station is marked with a small boat icon, a symbolic representation of hope and rescue in the face of distress. The decorative border, adorned with a rope and a life preserver, frames the chart, adding a touch of elegance and emphasizing the map's thematic focus on maritime safety and rescue operations.

Notably, the "Life-Boat Chart of the British Isles" is more than a geographical representation; it is a historical document that captures a moment in time when the RNLI's life-saving operations were crucial for maritime navigation and safety. The reference table and notes, including poignant messages like "In distress" and "Cannot save ship - take people off," provide insight into the challenges faced by mariners and the lifeboat crews' heroic efforts to overcome them. This map offers a unique perspective on the technological and operational aspects of lifeboat stations in the mid-20th century.

The map's historical significance is further enriched by its coverage of a wide array of locations, from the bustling ports of Dover and Plymouth to the serene beauty of the Scilly Isles and The Lizard. It serves as a guide to the coastal geography of the British Isles, highlighting major cities, towns, and geographical features, as well as the strategic placement of lifeboat stations along the coast. This extensive coverage underscores the RNLI's comprehensive approach to maritime safety, ensuring that no corner of the British Isles was left unprotected.

In conclusion, the "Life-Boat Chart of the British Isles" is not just a map; it is a historical artifact that offers a window into the past, showcasing the enduring spirit of the RNLI and its lifesaving legacy. It invites viewers to reflect on the importance of maritime safety, the advancements in life-saving technology, and the selfless acts of bravery that have characterized the RNLI's mission since its inception. This map is a must-have for collectors, historians, and anyone fascinated by the rich maritime heritage of the British Isles.

Places on this map

• Ireland
• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Isle of Man
• Channel Islands
• North Sea
• Atlantic Ocean
• Irish Sea
• Celtic Sea
• St. George's Channel
• North Channel
• Moray Firth
• Firth of Forth
• Firth of Clyde
• Solway Firth
• Cardigan Bay
• Bristol Channel
• The Wash
• Humber Estuary
• Thames Estuary
• English Channel
• Strait of Dover
• Dover
• Folkestone
• Hastings
• Eastbourne
• Brighton
• Worthing
• Bognor Regis
• Selsey Bill
• Portsmouth
• Southampton
• Bournemouth
• Poole
• Swanage
• Weymouth
• Exmouth
• Teignmouth
• Brixham
• Dartmouth
• Plymouth
• Looe
• Fowey
• Mevagissey
• Falmouth
• Port Isaac
• Padstow
• Newquay
• St. Ives
• Sennen Cove
• St. Mary's
• Scilly Isles
• Penlee
• Porthleven
• Porthoustock
• Coverack
• Cadgwith
• The Lizard
• Baltimore

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map is a chart of the British Isles, showing the location of lifeboat stations around the coast.
• The map is surrounded by a decorative border featuring a rope and a life preserver.
• The title of the map is "Life-Boat Chart of the British Isles" and is located at the top of the map.
• The map is oriented with north at the top.
• The map shows the coast of the British Isles in detail, with major cities, towns, and geographical features labeled.
• The map also shows the location of lifeboat stations around the coast, with each station represented by a small boat icon.
• The map includes a reference table in the lower right corner, which provides information about the different types of lifeboats and their locations.
• The map also includes a note that reads, "In Distress - Cannot save ship - Take people off."

Historical and design context

• The map was created in 1935.
• It is a thematic map, focusing on the location of lifeboat stations.
• The map provides a valuable snapshot of the location of lifeboat stations around the coasts of the British Isles in 1935.
• The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the largest charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man as well as on some inland waterways.
• The RNLI was founded in 1824 and is one of the oldest lifeboat charities in the world.
• The RNLI operates a fleet of over 200 lifeboats and has saved over 140,000 lives since its foundation.
• The map's design is relatively simple, with a blue background and red and black text.

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 100in (250cm). 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.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, 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.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

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.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.