The Great Pacific Ocean, c. 1772

Printed map (2 maps on one sheet) London Purchased 2008 M2 910/1772/2

Invoice received by Banks from John Bayly

By Avryl Whitnall, 2014

In the State Library’s manuscripts collection is an ‘Invoice received by Banks from John Bayly, for paper and engraving plate of map titled 'The Great Pacific Ocean', 26 March 1772’. The invoice was originally bound in a single volume titled 'Voluntiers, Instructions, Provision for 2d. Voyage' – papers concerning Banks' preparations for James Cook’s second Pacific voyage in HM Ships Resolution and Adventure.

Bayly, of Red Lion Square, London

By Cook's Log, page 1368, volume 20, number 1 (1997)

On 26th John Bayly wrote to Banks an account of his work engraving a map for him of "The Great Pacific Ocean". Bayly, of Red Lion Square, London, was engraver to the British Museum, of which Solander was Assistant Keeper. It is thought that Banks intended plotting his route on this map as he voyaged in the Resolution. He presented a number of copies to Cook.

‘Banks map’

By Steve Meacham, ‘Rare Cook collection to be sold’, Sydney Morning Herald, 3 May 2008

The so-called ‘Banks map’ was engraved in 1772 on the orders of Sir Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, the scientists on the Endeavour, soon after Cook returned triumphantly to London.

The State Library's copy

By The Banks/Cook portfolio, edited by Pamela Gilbert with essays by Harold B Carter and Andrew CF David, p 108

The State Library's copy differs from strikes pulled from the original engraved plate after 1975 by having 'New South Wales' named wholly within the south polar projection.