Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101): Hubble Space Telescope Image
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The artwork we print is faithfully restored from the original source - usually a museum, auction house or private collection.
We never replace, redraw or invent the artist’s work using generative AI.
Restored from the original artwork and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Authentic artwork
The artwork we print is faithfully restored from the original source - usually a museum, auction house or private collection.
We never replace, redraw or invent the artist’s work using generative AI.
Restored from the original artwork and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
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Messier 101, the Pinwheel Galaxy, spreads across this expansive portrait in a broad sweep of spiral arms, its luminous cream-coloured centre giving...
Continue readingMessier 101, the Pinwheel Galaxy, spreads across this expansive portrait in a broad sweep of spiral arms, its luminous cream-coloured centre giving way to cooler regions of pale and deep blue. Set against near-black space, the galaxy appears almost circular, yet its structure is far from uniform: some arms gather into bright, substantial bands, while others loosen into faint clouds and narrow outward-reaching filaments.
Located 23 million light years away in the constellation Ursa Major, Messier 101 is a spiral galaxy and a celebrated example of the “grand design” form. Released in 2006, this portrait was described by its official source as the largest and most detailed image of a spiral galaxy then taken with Hubble. Its scale of detail brings the galaxy’s supergiant star-forming regions into view while preserving the coherence of the immense spiral as a whole.
The visual effect is one of intricacy held within order. Light seems to circulate outwards from the compact central glow, passing through mottled arms, darker channels and scattered concentrations of brilliance before thinning into the surrounding field.
A closer look
Near the centre, subtle gradients shift from warm cream to icy blue. Tiny glimmers punctuate this transition, embedded within the brighter inner structure. Beyond them, the arms vary markedly in width and intensity: dense luminous sections sit beside quieter, more diffuse passages, making the spiral feel layered rather than diagrammatically neat.
In the upper-left region, a dark channel cuts between lighter swirls, sharpening the sense of depth within the galactic disc. Along the right-hand arm, dim blue points trace a more restrained arc, while at the outer edges the principal structures begin to fray into faint blue-white clouds. Several fine filaments reach still farther into the darkness, details that become especially apparent at a large presentation scale.
The background is not empty. Numerous small points of light are scattered beyond the brighter body of Messier 101, their delicacy emphasising the galaxy’s commanding presence. In the lower-left quadrant, a denser gathering of bright points forms a distinct secondary accent, balancing the concentrated light of the core without disturbing the breadth of the spiral.
How this image was made
The portrait is founded on observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, with image processing by Davide De Martin of ESA/Hubble. The full credit also records contributing imagery from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory. Together, these sources create a view capable of carrying both the galaxy’s sweeping architecture and the minute variations within its arms.
Rather than presenting Messier 101 merely as a bright disc, the finished image separates its structures through shifts in colour, luminosity and contrast: a warm central concentration, cooler spiral regions and dark intervals that give the arms definition. The result allows the eye to move continually between two scales—the complete grand-design spiral and the finely textured regions from which that pattern is formed.
Image details and provenance
- Subject: Messier 101, Pinwheel Galaxy
- Object type: Spiral galaxy
- Constellation: Ursa Major
- Distance from Earth: 23 million light years
- Telescope or observatories: Hubble Space Telescope, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and National Optical Astronomy Observatory
- Original release date: 28 February 2006, 12:00
- Image credit: Image: European Space Agency & NASA Acknowledgements: Project Investigators for the original Hubble data: K.D. Kuntz (GSFC), F. Bresolin (University of Hawaii), J. Trauger (JPL), J. Mould (NOAO), and Y.-H. Chu (University of Illinois, Urbana) Image processing: Davide De Martin ( ESA / Hubble ) CFHT image: Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope/J.-C. Cuillandre/Coelum NOAO image: George Jacoby, Bruce Bohannan, Mark Hanna/NOAO/AURA/NSF
Choosing the right size and finish
Fine art can feel intimate at smaller sizes and more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to judge the scale of the piece in your space.
For exact dimensions, specialist framing or a larger project, ask our workshop for advice.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this art print.
Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. See examples of personalised artwork.
Choose Original for colour that remains faithful to the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer antique character. See examples of our Aged artwork.
Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or canvas using the finish options above.
Framed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, reduced reflections and safer delivery. They arrive professionally framed and ready to hang.
Selected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and specialist framing are also available; contact our workshop if the exact option you need is not listed.
This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work 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 an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.
Messier 101, the Pinwheel Galaxy, spreads across this expansive portrait in a broad sweep of spiral arms, its luminous cream-coloured centre giving way to cooler regions of pale and deep blue. Set against near-black space, the galaxy appears almost circular, yet its structure is far from uniform: some arms gather into bright, substantial bands, while others loosen into faint clouds and narrow outward-reaching filaments.
Located 23 million light years away in the constellation Ursa Major, Messier 101 is a spiral galaxy and a celebrated example of the “grand design” form. Released in 2006, this portrait was described by its official source as the largest and most detailed image of a spiral galaxy then taken with Hubble. Its scale of detail brings the galaxy’s supergiant star-forming regions into view while preserving the coherence of the immense spiral as a whole.
The visual effect is one of intricacy held within order. Light seems to circulate outwards from the compact central glow, passing through mottled arms, darker channels and scattered concentrations of brilliance before thinning into the surrounding field.
A closer look
Near the centre, subtle gradients shift from warm cream to icy blue. Tiny glimmers punctuate this transition, embedded within the brighter inner structure. Beyond them, the arms vary markedly in width and intensity: dense luminous sections sit beside quieter, more diffuse passages, making the spiral feel layered rather than diagrammatically neat.
In the upper-left region, a dark channel cuts between lighter swirls, sharpening the sense of depth within the galactic disc. Along the right-hand arm, dim blue points trace a more restrained arc, while at the outer edges the principal structures begin to fray into faint blue-white clouds. Several fine filaments reach still farther into the darkness, details that become especially apparent at a large presentation scale.
The background is not empty. Numerous small points of light are scattered beyond the brighter body of Messier 101, their delicacy emphasising the galaxy’s commanding presence. In the lower-left quadrant, a denser gathering of bright points forms a distinct secondary accent, balancing the concentrated light of the core without disturbing the breadth of the spiral.
How this image was made
The portrait is founded on observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, with image processing by Davide De Martin of ESA/Hubble. The full credit also records contributing imagery from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory. Together, these sources create a view capable of carrying both the galaxy’s sweeping architecture and the minute variations within its arms.
Rather than presenting Messier 101 merely as a bright disc, the finished image separates its structures through shifts in colour, luminosity and contrast: a warm central concentration, cooler spiral regions and dark intervals that give the arms definition. The result allows the eye to move continually between two scales—the complete grand-design spiral and the finely textured regions from which that pattern is formed.
Image details and provenance
- Subject: Messier 101, Pinwheel Galaxy
- Object type: Spiral galaxy
- Constellation: Ursa Major
- Distance from Earth: 23 million light years
- Telescope or observatories: Hubble Space Telescope, Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and National Optical Astronomy Observatory
- Original release date: 28 February 2006, 12:00
- Image credit: Image: European Space Agency & NASA Acknowledgements: Project Investigators for the original Hubble data: K.D. Kuntz (GSFC), F. Bresolin (University of Hawaii), J. Trauger (JPL), J. Mould (NOAO), and Y.-H. Chu (University of Illinois, Urbana) Image processing: Davide De Martin ( ESA / Hubble ) CFHT image: Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope/J.-C. Cuillandre/Coelum NOAO image: George Jacoby, Bruce Bohannan, Mark Hanna/NOAO/AURA/NSF
Choosing the right size and finish
Fine art can feel intimate at smaller sizes and more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to judge the scale of the piece in your space.
For exact dimensions, specialist framing or a larger project, ask our workshop for advice.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this art print.
Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. See examples of personalised artwork.
Choose Original for colour that remains faithful to the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer antique character. See examples of our Aged artwork.
Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or canvas using the finish options above.
Framed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, reduced reflections and safer delivery. They arrive professionally framed and ready to hang.
Selected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and specialist framing are also available; contact our workshop if the exact option you need is not listed.
This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work 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 an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every restored art print begins with the original artist’s work—never an AI-generated replacement.
Our London studio works from carefully selected source material from museums, libraries, archives and private collections. We restore age-related damage, faded colour and imperfect reproduction while preserving the artist’s composition, brushwork, line, texture and period character.
We do not use generative AI to redraw, reinterpret or invent the artwork. Digital restoration is used only to recover and reproduce the original work as faithfully as possible.
Once restored, the master artwork is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our giclée art prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks for a rich, museum-quality finish. Framed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Framed canvas and specialist cotton-rag editions are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
We’ve been restoring and producing maps and art prints since 1984, and we stand behind every piece.
Every order is covered by our 10-year guarantee and damage-free delivery guarantee. If your piece arrives damaged, we’ll replace or remake it free of charge. If anything else isn’t right, contact our workshop team and we’ll put it right promptly.
See our returns and refund policy for full details.
