One interesting map that has surfaced this week from the collection at the Map Room of the Queen Elizabeth II Library at MUN is Close’s Haddock, Cod and Halibut Chart of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Banks of Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.
This chart was produced by noted naval and military cartographer Albert Close and first released in 1931, although the edition held in the Map Room is 1951. This chart contains a wealth of information presumably for the benefit of fishing captains such as bottom conditions, water temperatures and depths. In addition to the map itself, the marginal information is quite informative relating wisdom such as: how to take a bearing; measure distances; or lay off a course on a chart. It even offers the advice that “Skippers should carry a deep-sea thermometer and use it daily.”
This map is not only utilitarian in nature, it holds a great deal of visual appeal. It has a hand-drawn design that presents a degree of charm not seen on today’s maps. The map and marginal information offers a view of an industry that has become so mechanical it no longer inspires the stories and visuals of salt-sprayed vessels and gnarled old sea captains. This glimpse into yesterday is one of two of Close’s charts held in the Map Room, the other describes the fishing conditions near Iceland. If you have an opportunity to visit the map room, why not ask to have a peek at one of these charts.
No comments:
Post a Comment