For more information contact Luke A Vavra PO Box 2459, Chester, Virginia 23831 USA Phone: (804) 748-9147 E-mail:
Each map is a vibrant milestone in history, be it exploration, war or the
beginning of a settlement. The map is the explorer’s energy drink.
Founded 1977, Cartographic Arts offers original antique maps and sea charts,
books about maps and mapmakers, and antique atlases, bibles, gazettes,
history and geography books. Located 15 miles south of Richmond, VA in the
village of Chester, VA, we help keep history alive by cherishing the
mapmaker’s dream.
Although we claim to be an authority on antique
maps of Virginia, we pride ourselves on our global presence, having maps
that cover most parts of the world and different eras. We also offer prints,
globes and antique scientific instruments related to navigation, survey and
map making. If interested in antique relics from around the globe, look no
further than Cartographic Arts.
We have some of the finest antique
maps in the United States, including works by eminent mapmakers and authors
such as Ortelius, Blaeu, Speed, Mercator, Sanson, Chatelain, Harris,
Jefferson, Keith, Ligon, Warren and Wheeler. Our stock is strongest in maps
of America made prior to the American Civil War. With thirty-five years in
the antique map business, we are experts in America’s many contours, from
the empty outlines of the 1500s to the fleshing-out of the West in
fulfillment of Manifest Destiny.
Maps are not only historical
artifacts, they are also pieces of art, capturing the feelings of the
mapmaker and era. When we look upon a map, we know the dreams of a people,
how they felt at what they saw. A 1657 antique map of Barbados, for example,
takes us to time’s ever changing Caribbean where we drift on sail boats and
stare at the unfolding of the New World. Just look at our “Recent Additions”
and see for yourself! Choose from the menu.
Our passion for
cartography is obvious, and with good reason. Antique maps are
self-improvement tools, inspiring us to travel, explore and record. Please
browse through our collection and begin your journey.
You may place
an order with Cartographic Arts by e-mail to ,
by telephone to (804) 748-9147 or by mail to Cartographic Arts, PO Box 2459,
Chester, VA 23831 USA. Please include a telephone number or e-mail address
where we can contact you.
You may pay by MasterCard, Discover, or
VISA or by a check in US dollars drawn on a US bank. All material is subject
to prior sale. Except for obvious typographical errors, we honor prices
listed for 30 days after your inquiry.
