Collins — Historic Map of Oceania (1898)

A snapshot of a region in flux at the height of empire, rendered with clarity and restraint. Taken from The Citizen’s Atlas and published in 1898 (mapping by John Bartholomew & Co. Ltd. for Collins), this sheet brings Oceania into sharp focus. A dedicated colonial control key clarifies overlapping jurisdictions—most strikingly on New Guinea, then divided among Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands. Clean, legible cartography sets out trade routes, island groups, coastlines, principal towns, and sea lanes, while insets detail Chatham Island, Pitt Island, Auckland Island, the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu), and Hawai‘i and neighbouring islands.

More Than a Map – A Testament to History

This isn’t just wall art—it’s a primary window onto Oceania’s late-nineteenth-century geography and commerce. Every line and legend records the Scramble for the Pacific and the maritime networks binding Australasia, Asia, and the Americas. Ideal for educators, historians, designers, and collectors, it pairs powerfully with modern political and physical maps for then-and-now comparison.

Hang it in libraries, classrooms, studios, museums, offices, or at home to invite 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 high-quality materials and modern archival printing.

🌟 Archival Paper Print
Printed on heavyweight 160gsm archival-grade paper.
Smooth matte finish reduces glare and preserves fine linework and labels.
Ideal for framing under glass—clean, timeless, and built to last.

💎 Laminated Edition
Encapsulated in two sheets of 80-micron gloss laminate using true thermal bonding—not just surface lamination.
Moisture-resistant, wipe-clean surface—perfect for classrooms and high-traffic reference spaces.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered rails with a fitted hanging cord provide a polished, ready-to-hang presentation—no frame required. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

🏆 Museum-Quality Canvas
Printed on heavyweight 395gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas for rich texture and exceptional strength.
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks deliver deep tone and crisp typography that endure for generations.

Optional Natural Timber Hang Rails: lacquered to enhance the wood grain and protect against wear; top cord for effortless hanging—elegant in any setting. (Please allow up to 10 working days for delivery with hang rails.)

Specifications

Why Choose This Map

✔ Era-True Snapshot: Oceania’s political geography and sea lanes at the close of the nineteenth century.
✔ Clarity at a Glance: A colour colonial key makes complex jurisdictions instantly readable.
✔ Decorative & Scholarly: Strong wall presence with genuine reference value.
✔ Context Builder: Pair with modern maps to trace decolonisation and shifting maritime networks.
✔ Archival Craft: Premium substrates and inks preserve contrast, labels, and linework for decades.

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 a pivotal Pacific story into focus. Order the Historic Map of Oceania (1898) today—a faithful, beautifully produced sheet that turns a room into a conversation.