DESCRIPTION: Original 1873 British Admiralty harbor chart of the Port of Barcelona, Spain, issued as chart no. 1195. Published at the Admiralty in London under the superintendence of Rear Admiral G. H. Richards, Hydrographer, and based on Spanish surveys conducted in 1871. The chart was engraved by Edward Weller and drawn by H. Stafford. As with other Admiralty productions of the period, it reflects standardized hydrographic practices intended for practical navigation rather than decorative presentation.
The chart details the harbor and immediate coastal approaches with extensive soundings, shoreline configuration, and port infrastructure as they existed in the early 1870s. Labeled features include Montjuich, the Arsenal, Punta de la Paz, Vista Alegro, Huertas de S. Beltran, and Barceloneta. Harbor works and alterations are shown, including the Old Mole light, noted as scheduled for demolition, documenting changes underway in the port’s configuration. The sheet captures Barcelona at a moment of transition, as the harbor was being adapted to accommodate increased commercial and industrial maritime traffic.
British Admiralty charts were produced for active use by naval and commercial mariners and were regularly updated as surveys improved. As a result, early impressions such as this example are increasingly scarce in original form. This chart is of interest for its documentation of 19th century harbor engineering, Mediterranean navigation, and the development of Barcelona as a major port city, and it fits well within collections focused on nautical cartography, port plans, or European maritime history.
PUBLICATION DATE:
GEOGRAPHIC AREA: Spain
BODY OF WATER:
CONDITION: Good.
A bit dirty in the margins but has been washed and is generally a creamy white in color within the neat lines.
COLORING: None except traces of yellow at three navigational aids (lights).
ENGRAVER: H. Stafford
SIZE: 18
" x
24 "
ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 57
PRICE: $900
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