Map/Chart > The Persian Collection

A Chart of the Persian Gulf

A stunning chart of The Arabian Gulf, presented to the Right Honourable Viscount Melville, First Lord of the Admiralty, by Commander D. E. Bartholomew, in 1813. It draws upon previous survey work undertaken by Bartholomew, as far back as 1808.

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The centrepiece of this chart is the Persian Gulf from the entrances between Cape Mussandam, on the Arabian Coast, and Jasques, on the Persian Coast, up to Bussorah on the River Euphrates. Surrounding this centrepiece are assorted panels showing a combination of views, surveys, plans, and notes; some dating as far back as 1794. Within the notes Bartholomew provides a range of comments relating to winds, tides, water supply, inhabitants and variations in bearing. These accompanying notes are both informative and occasionally advisory, from experience and observations made.

In the Acknowledgments, Bartholomew provides a brief history and statement as to how and why the chart came to be. His concerns are surprisingly direct, with a veiled criticism of the way in which Aaron Arrowsmith, the publisher, used his previous material and attributed the inaccurate work of others to Bartholomew. Furthermore, he makes particular reference to the lack of surveys available to the British at that time and makes a clear statement in regard to the ‘personal trouble nor expense’ he went to in completing this survey. Some strong similarities are evident between this chart and other charts in this collection; note the similarities with the Persian Gulf Chart (A708) in terms of land relief, hydrography and the compass rose. Also worth noting is the lack of hydrography along the Arabian coast, bar that credited to the work undertaken on H.M.S Hesper, from Boothabeen to the northern tip of Mussledom. Just above the compass rose is an 1808 reference to the use of material from the Persian manuscripts (likewise Heather’s chart A712). The lack of hydrography, the accreditation to H.M.S Hesper, and the reference to Persian manuscripts, raises the question as to whether Bartholomew visited the Arabian coast in the making of this survey. In its magnificence this manuscript reflects Bartholomew’s strengths and characteristics: his attention to detail and accuracy; his dedication and willingness to make personal sacrifices in pursuit of excellence; and his honesty and humility, evident through his respectful accreditation to those who supported him and provided him with materials which enabled him to compile this chart. Furthermore, Bartholomew was confident in his own ability and intolerant of others who did not perform to the same level; evident in his clear expression of dissatisfaction with the material published by Arrowsmith. Undoubtedly, this survey was a work of love and devotion.