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Fine example of this highly detailed sea chart of the Strait of Sunda, published by James Imray & Son, one of the leading British chartmakers of the 19th Century.
The chart includes 6 inset charts and 10 profile views, along with sailing notes of explanation and general remarks. The inset views include:
- Koloem Jan Bay
- Lagoendi
- Zutphen Islands
- Anchorage in Renjan Island
- Merak Harbour
- Sketch of Mew Bay
Rarity
The chart is apparently quite rare. We locate examples at the British Library and Royal Maritime Museum collections.
James Imray was a publisher specialized in nautical charts. He started one of the most successful blue-back chart-selling companies of the nineteenth century; it is still in business today. Imray’s father was a dyer and he was born in Spitalfields, London, an area known for its garment industry. James did not want to enter the garment trade, however, and instead apprenticed to Stationer William Lukyn in 1818. Imray began his business as a book publisher and seller; however, he shared premises with Robert Blachford, a chartseller. Imray entered into business with Robert’s successor, Michael. He turned the business into a success and bought Blachford out in 1846, publishing under the imprint of James Imray. In 1854, son James Frederick joined as a partner and the imprint changed to Imray & Son. They thrived thanks to targeted marketing and excellent compilation charts that focused on trade routes. The busines entered in a long decline after the death of James Sr. in 1870. In 1899, Imray & Son amalgamated with Norie & Wilson. This conglomerate was bought by the Laurie firm in 1904 and today the business trades as Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson.
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