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What Is a Giclée Print? How We Restore Antique Maps

Every map we sell begins as a centuries-old sheet and ends as a clean, archival print ready for your wall. Here is what happens in between — and what "giclée" actually means.

What is a giclée print?

Giclée (from the French for "to spray") is the term for a high-resolution inkjet print made on archival paper with pigment inks. Unlike an ordinary poster, a good giclée reproduces fine detail and subtle tone faithfully and is made to last for decades without fading. It is the standard for fine-art reproduction.

From raw scan to finished map

We start from a high-resolution public-domain scan and restore it: evening out the yellowing and blotches of age into a clean, consistent paper tone; lifting contrast so place-names and engraving read clearly; and sharpening the fine lines without making them harsh. The aim is to honour the character of the original — its warmth and patina — while removing the distractions of age.

Honest sources, lasting materials

The maps are faithful restorations of public-domain originals, printed giclée on quality archival paper and supplied framed, ready to hang. On screen, our high-resolution viewer lets you zoom into the detail before you buy; a discreet watermark protects the restored image online but never appears on your print.

See for yourself

Browse the gallery and zoom into any map to see the restoration up close. Explore the full gallery →