Call to save historic £6m chart collection

Britain's libraries and institutions are being called on to save from export a unique collection of 18th and 19th century charts that document the rise of Britain to become the world's leading maritime power.

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An export bar has been placed on an extraordinary collection, that includes the first chart drawn by Captain James Cook, to allow time for a UK gallery or museum to acquire it.

The historic archive of Imray, Laurie, Norie and Wilson comprises the records of Britain's most significant commercial chart makers from the late 18th and 19th centuries and has been valued at £6m. It represents an important source of knowledge relating to the rise of the East India Company and the emergence of the British empire.

The collection was sold this year by Imray to map specialists Daniel Crouch Rare Books and Altea Gallery who agreed a sale to a US private collector.

An export licence was applied for to take the collection overseas but The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA) recommended the temporary block.

The decision on the export licence application has been deferred until 10 November by which time it is hoped a British offer matching the £6m value will have been received.