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Explorers Map of the World published in 1797

Explorers Map of the World published in 1797

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Featuring the voyages of Cook, Byron, Bougainville and the great circumnavigators

This beautifully reproduced 1797 world map, originally published by John Fairburn and drawn by Robert Rowe (1775–1843), charts the age of exploration in remarkable detail. Titled “A Chart of the World on Wright's or Mercator's Projection,” it captures the known world as understood at the close of the 18th century and showcases the routes of legendary explorers including Captain Cook, Byron, Bougainville, Carteret, Wallis, and Lord Mulgrave on his polar expedition.

This is not just a map—it’s a cartographic record of discovery, ambition, and maritime daring. A rare opportunity to own a visual account of exploration before satellites, steamships, or Suez.


Historical Significance:

  • Projection: Wright's or Mercator’s—allowing for accurate compass bearings, crucial for maritime navigation.

  • Voyages Tracked: Includes the full circumnavigations of Cook and his contemporaries, as well as Arctic routes towards the North Pole.

  • Published: London, 1797, in the midst of the Enlightenment and just years after Cook’s final voyage.


Finishing Options:

Finish Description
Paper (160 gsm) Archival-quality heavyweight paper—ideal for traditional framing under glass.
Laminated True encapsulation between two 80-micron gloss laminate sheets. Durable, wipe-clean, and long-lasting—suitable for study or office display.
Canvas (395 gsm Matte) Printed with fade-resistant pigment-based inks on museum-grade canvas. The rich texture and tonal depth elevate this historical map into a gallery-worthy centrepiece.

Optional Timber Hang Rails (Laminated & Canvas):

For an authentic old-world finish, choose the option with hang rails. Attached top and bottom, the upper rail features a cord for easy hanging. The timber is lacquered in a classic natural finish.

Note: Please allow 10 working days for hang-railed canvas maps, as each is custom-assembled by our professional framer.


Map Specifications:

  • Publication Date: 1797

  • Cartographer: Robert Rowe

  • Publisher: John Fairburn, London

  • Made in: Australia

  • Projection: Mercator


Available Sizes:

Size Dimensions
Standard 790 mm (W) × 600 mm (H)
Large 1150 mm (W) × 880 mm (H)
Supermap 1820 mm (W) × 1400 mm (H)

Whether you’re a collector, historian, or simply an admirer of classic cartography, this map is a remarkable tribute to the age of sail and discovery. Ideal for libraries, studies, or heritage-inspired interiors.




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