THE ROYALE MAPS VISION

map making tools Royale Maps

Why maps?

I was born in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Belgium is a young country: prior to 1830 it was part of the Netherlands (the Netherlands only briefly lost Belgium to the French for 19 years from 1795-1814).
 
From 1584 to 1702, the Dutch Republic became the world’s leader in commerce. They organised important sea-faring expeditions with the hope of trading with North America and Asia. Successful expeditions relied on accurate maps and thanks to a Flemish cartographer, Gerardus Mercator who invented the Mercator map projection in 1569, the Netherlands produced the most advanced, most accurate, most beautiful maps of their time. 

This era is known as the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography.
Blaeu's Map of The World (1606)
Blaeu's Map of The World. (1606)
Doncker's chart of North America. (1650)
Atlas Map of Africa by Mercator. (1595)
Atlas, Map of Africa by Mercator. (1595)

Maps are symbols of freedom and hope,
and the perfect medium to showcase nature’s intelligence.

The first sneak peak at the map of Florida.
Royale Maps 1st Edition Map of Florida. (2018)
Antique Dutch map prints are abundantly displayed in Belgian homes and public areas as decorative wall pieces. I have always known maps to be attractive and exciting pieces of graphic art that deliver a clear universal message. Today, the world is mapped by computers and the time consuming art of hand-drawn ornamental maps has become a thing of the past.
The only decorative options available today are modern uninspiring maps or vintage reproductions so, using my skills as a designer, I fancied trying my hand at cartography.  
The first map I designed was the Map of the Isle of Man – which was a good place for me to start: the island is small and lightly populated. I enjoyed the calm process, people liked it and so I went on to design the Map of FloridaMap of Hawaii and Map of Iceland.   It takes time to draw and illustrate a map, even with the help of satellite data and modern technology, but I find the result to be something truly inspiring and unique. 

Enjoy your time on Royale Maps. Keep exploring, here, and out there!

Catherine x

Your experience with Royale Maps.

Introducing Royale Maps Cartography, a cherished gem nestled in the heart of Irish Sea, on the Isle Of Man.
Born from a deep-rooted passion for graphic design and the allure of antiquated maps, this artistic venture has evolved into the premier destination for meticulously hand-drawn, original maps!

Since our inception in 2018, we’ve dedicated ourselves to curating an exquisite collection of ultra-high-quality illustrated wall maps.
Each creation is a testament to the seamless fusion of artistry and historical reverence.
Our Pledge to You: At Royale Maps, your satisfaction is not a mere promise—it’s our guiding principle.
From the moment you embark on this journey with us, expect nothing short of a symphony of delights. From the moment you purchase your map, a seamless experience unfolds. Our straightforward tracked free shipping process ensures that every step of your interaction with us is marked by simplicity and convenience.
Throughout this voyage, Royale Maps stands ready to serve as your faithful companion, ensuring that your acquisition brings you nothing less than complete contentment.
Unparalleled Original Craftsmanship – Every map that is introduced to our collection is a labor of love, meticulously hand-drawn using satellite imagery for accuracy.
For our poster holders, we selected a honey coloured solid oak wood, which complements the colour of the paper our maps are printed on.
The paper that cradles our maps is no less remarkable. It is heavyweight, matte-finish, museum-grade, acid-free and designed to endure the sands of time.
A Service Above Par – At Royale Maps, your experience is our focal point. If, for any reason, your heart finds itself less than delighted with your map, we stand by your side, drop us a line and we’ll be right with you.
Questions, concerns, or a desire for a custom map? Write to us and we’ll journey with you deeper into the realm of Royale Maps. Embark on a voyage through time and artistry with us. Let the world of our unique vintage maps unveil its secrets, each original map is a testament to the union of craftsmanship, history, and your own unique journey. Welcome to Royale Maps.

Windows onlooking life's brilliance.

Embark on a voyage through time and artistry with us. Let the world of our unique vintage maps unveil its secrets, each original map is a testament to the union of craftsmanship, history, and your own unique journey.

Welcome to Royale Maps.