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This remarkable east-oriented sea chart, titled "The North Sea Compiled from the Most Recent Surveys," showcases a detailed representation of the North Sea during the mid-19th century. Published in London by Jas Imray & Son at 89 & 102 Minories in 1859, the chart is derived from the latest available surveys of the time, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date information for navigators.
The chart features several insets, including Heligoland, Sands off Hasborough (1828 - 55), Bridlington Bay (1842-50), Farn Islands (1856), Fiord of Christiansand, Arendal Inlet (1843), and Approaches to Bergen (1842-1849). These insets provide a more detailed view of significant locations and navigational challenges around the North Sea, aiding mariners in traversing its waters safely.
With its blend of precise cartographic details and beautifully rendered coastlines, this 1859 sea chart of the North Sea serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the region's maritime geography during this historical period.
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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