LIMITED EDITION – A Plan of the Town of Belfast, 1832-3

UAH on behalf of Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society are pleased to announce the publication of a very special, limited edition historic print. It consists of a plan of the town of Belfast, 1832–3. It is copied and enlarged from the first Ordnance Survey 6 inch map of the town. The original hand coloured map on which the plan is based is from a private collection.

Contemporary engravings are reprinted at the top and bottom of the plan. These include views of the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, the Belfast Poor House (Clifton House today) and the original Belfast Museum (still home today to the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society), opened in 1831. There are also illustrations of Mulholland’s spinning mill, the interior of Chartres Mill and a Belfast steamship.

In 1831 the population of Belfast stood at 53,287 which represented considerable growth from the figure of some 20,000 in 1791. By 1901, however, numbers would have risen to 349,180. The plan shows that at this stage Belfast had taken on its basic shape with streets well known to us today, such as High Street, Donegall Place and College Square. We see the
new linen mills and factories which were critical for the expansion of the town. The docks alongside the Lagan provided not only for the important overseas trade of Belfast and region but also for the growing shipbuilding industry.

There will be a limited print run of 250 copies. The print is A2 in size (42cmX59.4cm), while the paper is fine archival paper, 240gsm weight, Munken Pure. All proceeds from sales will be used to further the work of the BNHPS and the Old Museum Building: Back to Life project, in partnership with UAH.

Post and package free for UK and Ireland. Please allow up to 14 days for delivery.

To avail of free shipping, please use coupon code free shipping at checkout