A Polar Portrait of the Nineteenth Century — Colton’s North Pole (1872)
Stand at the top of the world. First issued in 1872 by American mapmakers G. W. & C. B. Colton & Co., this elegant hemispheric sheet—titled “Northern Regions”—centres the North Pole and radiates meridians like spokes across the Arctic. Coastlines and archipelagos gather in clear, balanced geometry; latitude circles step outward in calm measure. It’s the late-Victorian Arctic rendered with poise—part science, part spectacle—and a striking way to bring the high latitudes into view.
More Than a Map – A Testament to History
This is not just wall art—it’s a window onto how the Arctic was understood in the nineteenth century. Every coastline, parallel and place name reflects the cartographic knowledge of its time, revealing a world of sea ice margins, island groups and polar seas arranged with careful draughtsmanship. Ideal for polar enthusiasts, historians, educators, collectors, or anyone drawn to classic cartography, this map invites study, conversation and wonder.
Display it in classrooms, offices, museums, libraries, or your home, and create a space that encourages reflection, learning and discovery.
Premium Materials & Finishes
We treat history with the respect it deserves. That’s why we offer multiple formats, each produced using the highest quality materials and modern archival printing techniques.
🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine engraved linework and delicate labels.
Ideal for framing under glass, showcasing nineteenth-century detail with sophisticated clarity.
💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two 80-micron gloss laminate sheets using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—perfect for schools, offices or high-traffic areas where the map will be referenced often.
Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails provide a polished, classic look. With a fitted hanging cord, your laminated map is ready to display—no framing required. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)
🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas, chosen for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks produce vibrant tone and crisp lines that endure for generations.
Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the grain, with a top cord for effortless hanging—timeless, elegant presentation in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Publication | 1872 |
| Title | Northern Regions (North Pole / Arctic) |
| Cartographer/Publisher | G. W. & C. B. Colton & Co. |
| Map Size | 841 mm (W) × 689 mm (H) |
| Projection/Format | Polar (hemispheric) centred on the North Pole |
| Available Formats | Paper, Laminated, Canvas |
| Paper Weight | 160gsm archival-quality |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate sheets |
| Canvas Weight | 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Available on Laminated & Canvas versions |
| Origin | Made in Australia |
Why Choose This Map
✔ A Polar Classic: A refined nineteenth-century Arctic view with concentric latitude circles and radiating meridians.
✔ Colton Pedigree: From one of America’s foremost atlas houses—clarity, balance and collectible appeal.
✔ Instant Readability: Clean coastlines and calm typography make complex high-latitude geography easy to read.
✔ Crafted to Last: Premium substrates and archival inks keep colour and linework true for decades.
✔ Ready to Display: Optional hang-railed laminated or canvas editions provide a museum-quality presentation—no framing required.
✔ A Thoughtful Gift: Perfect for polar history buffs, educators and design-minded collectors.
Our Commitment
We believe that preserving history is as important as telling it. Every map is printed locally in Australia using state-of-the-art technology, carefully checked by hand, and packed with care. From the moment it leaves our workshop to the day it hangs on your wall, we ensure quality you can trust and a legacy you’ll be proud to share.
Bring the high latitudes into your space with a faithful, beautifully produced classic. Order Colton’s Northern Regions (1872) today—a poised portrait of the Arctic at the height of the atlas age.
