At the Top of the World — North Pole (c. 1869–1907) by Nijgh & Van Ditmar
Ice-edge soundings, ship tracks, and hunting grounds at the roof of the globe. First issued in the late nineteenth century by Dutch publisher Nijgh & Van Ditmar, this compelling polar chart gathers the routes of Arctic voyaging and whaling activity into a crisp, legible portrait of the high north. Coasts ring the pole like a frozen compass; seas and straits—hard-won by lead line and logbook—settle into place. It’s the era of sail and steam pushing up through pack ice, rendered with clarity that still grips across a room.
More Than a Map – A Testament to History
This is not just wall art—it’s a working ledger of Arctic ambition. Every plotted route and labeled sea lane speaks to navigation, risk, and the seasonal chase for whales. Ideal for polar-history enthusiasts, mariners, educators, collectors, and anyone drawn to exploration-era cartography, it’s both a visual treasure and an instructive primary source.
Display it in classrooms, offices, museums, libraries, or your home, and create a space that invites reflection, study, and conversation.
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 highlights fine polar linework and small-place labels.
Ideal for framing under glass, preserving your map for decades in sophisticated style.
💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two 80-micron gloss laminate sheets using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface ideal for schools, offices, or high-traffic areas where the map will be referenced and handled 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 its rich texture and exceptional strength.
Uses pigment-based, fade-resistant inks that produce deep tone and crisp lines designed to endure for generations.
Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: Lacquered to enhance the wood grain and protect against wear, with a top cord for effortless hanging—timeless and elegant. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)
Specifications
Feature |
Details |
Original Publication |
c. 1869–1907 |
Publisher |
Nijgh & Van Ditmar |
Title |
North Pole (routes and whaling activity) |
Focus |
Polar chart with Arctic coasts, seas/straits, sailing routes, and whaling grounds |
Map Size |
761 mm (W) × 1000 mm (H) |
Available Formats |
Paper, Laminated, Canvas |
Paper Weight |
160gsm archival-quality |
Laminate |
2 × 80-micron gloss laminate sheets (encapsulated) |
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
✔ Exploration-Era Snapshot: A late–19th-century view of Arctic routes and whaling grounds at a glance.
✔ Polar Readability: Clean polar composition and careful lettering that reward both room-viewing and close study.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: Equally compelling for interiors and for teaching navigation, climate, and maritime history.
✔ Crafted to Last: Premium substrates and archival inks keep contrast and detail true for decades.
✔ Ready to Display: Optional hang-railed laminated or canvas editions offer a polished, museum-quality presentation—no frame required.
✔ A Memorable Gift: Perfect for explorers at heart, sailors, historians, 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 north into your space. Order the North Pole (c. 1869–1907) by Nijgh & Van Ditmar today—a faithful, beautifully produced record of courage, current, and ice.