Item number: REP845
Set of Two Restrike Charts
2001
Maker: Des Barres / Massachusetts Historical Society
**Note: these charts are not joined- the image of two charts joined is an example of what they can look like when joined**
High-quality restrike of the Des Barre's chart with Block Island, originally published in the Atlantic Neptune in the 1770s. Restrike charts are made using the original printing plates, making these the most authentic type of reproduction. The Atlantic Neptune is a monumental four volume atlas which was the most important collection of maps, charts and views of North America published in the eighteenth century. Colonel Joseph Frederick Wallet Des Barres and Samuel Holland (who surveyed the New England coast), among others, spent years surveying to create the most comprehensive charts of the coast of North America for the British Admiralty, finally published in 1777. This reproduction consists of two sheets that can be joined and was made in 2001. According to the Massachusetts Historical Society's Annual Report: "Anne Bentley supervised arrangements for the restriking of charts from twelve of the original eighteenth-century engraved copper printing plates used in Joseph F. W. Des Barres's atlas of the North American coast, The Atlantic Neptune. The British Admiralty donated these plates to the Society in 1947, and with the expertise of master printer Robert Е. Townsend of Georgetown, we finally have realized a longstanding dream. Original plates and charts, and modern restrikes were exhibited by the MHS in the fall of 2001, and Julien Taverner offers the restrikes for sale through his gallery, Haley & Steele, Inc., of Boston." MHS sold approximately 200 reprints as limited editions with an MHS embossed seal. This chart shows Mount Desert Island (now the location of Acadia National Park), with the surrounding areas such as Swans Island (labeled Burnt Coal Island because James Swan had not yet purchased the island when this chart was published), Sorrento (labeled New Bristol on the chart), Schoodic Peninsula, Newbury Neck, and more. Map indicates the locations of some saw mills and grist mills. Each chart measures approx. 20.75 x 30 inches to the neatline and 26 x 37 inches to the paper edges. Very good condition with some minor wrinkles/creases, slight stains. Each paper is embossed with the MHS seal. **Note: these charts are not joined- the image of two charts joined is an example of what they can look like when joined**
Set of Two Restrike Charts from 2001 (not joined)
Item Number: REP845