Plan Monumental De La Ville De Marseille – Industriel & Commercial – Edition 1903

Publishers: Moullot Fils
Price: £95
Publication Date: 1903
Edition: New Edition
Format: Original coloured lithograph
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 56cm x 75.8cm when opened

Condition:

A scarce and detailed map of Marseilles and its port. Published in Marseille. Printed on paper and folded into 24 sections. P & O labels verso with their rates and shipping dates to London, Gibraltar, Bombay and Sydney. These could be booked through Messrs Estrine & Co in Marseilles. Pencil marks verso. Short closed tear to the left hand margin and two holes to the blank lower margin. Minor wear to the fold lines. In very good condition overall.

Marseille In 1883: A Brief Description

In 1903, Marseille was a bustling and cosmopolitan port city, firmly established as the gateway to the Mediterranean and a major centre of commerce, industry, and immigration. The city’s strategic location on the southern coast of France made it one of Europe’s most important ports, connecting France to its colonial empire and the wider Mediterranean region.

Key Aspects of Marseille in 1903:

1. Economic and Industrial Growth

By 1903, Marseille had become the largest port in France and one of the busiest in Europe. Its economic prosperity was driven by its role as a major hub for trade, particularly with North Africa and the French colonies. Goods such as textiles, coffee, sugar, oil, and spices were imported and exported through the city’s port. Marseille was also a key departure point for people travelling to French colonies, particularly in Africa and Indochina.

The industrial revolution had transformed Marseille into a manufacturing centre as well. Industries related to shipbuilding, soap production (Marseille soap), and oil processing thrived in the city. The Port of Marseille was continuously expanding, with new docks and facilities being built to accommodate the ever-increasing flow of goods and passengers.

2. Immigration and Population Growth

Marseille’s role as a major port also made it a magnet for immigrants from around the Mediterranean and beyond. By 1903, the city’s population had grown to around 500,000 people, with a diverse mix of cultures. Immigrants from Italy, Greece, Armenia, and North Africa settled in the city, contributing to its multicultural fabric.

The working-class districts of Marseille, particularly around the Old Port (Le Vieux-Port) and in neighbourhoods like Le Panier, were home to many of these immigrant communities. The city’s diversity shaped its culture, cuisine, and identity, giving it a distinctly international and vibrant atmosphere.

3. Urban Development and Architecture

At the beginning of the 20th century, Marseille was undergoing significant urban development. The city’s layout was a mix of ancient streets in the older quarters, such as Le Panier, and newer, wider boulevards that were developed as part of modern urban planning.

• La Canebière, Marseille’s grand boulevard, was the central artery of the city, lined with hotels, cafes, and shops. It stretched from the Old Port into the heart of the city and was a symbol of Marseille’s modernisation and economic power.
• Notre-Dame de la Garde, the iconic basilica, was already a major landmark by 1903. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, it had been completed in 1864 and was a place of pilgrimage as well as a key symbol of the city.
• The Palais Longchamp, completed in the 19th century, was a monumental complex that housed museums and gardens, celebrating the completion of the Marseille canal that brought water to the city from the Durance River. By 1903, it was a cultural hub and a significant architectural landmark.

4. Transport and Infrastructure

In 1903, Marseille had a well-developed transportation system, which included tramways that connected various parts of the city, allowing easier movement between the port, the city centre, and the suburbs. The Gare Saint-Charles train station was already an important hub, linking Marseille to the rest of France via rail. This train station played a key role in facilitating both passenger travel and the movement of goods.

The port infrastructure continued to expand in response to growing maritime traffic. The New Docks (Docks de la Joliette) had been constructed in the 19th century and were crucial to handling the enormous volume of trade passing through the city.

5. Colonial Connections and Influence

Marseille’s importance as a colonial port was at its peak in 1903. The city was the principal gateway between France and its vast overseas empire, particularly in North Africa (notably Algeria, which had been a French colony since 1830), as well as Tunisia, Morocco, and Indochina. The Exposition Coloniale held in 1906 would later celebrate Marseille’s central role in colonial trade and administration.

The colonial connections deeply influenced Marseille’s culture, with exotic goods, spices, and people from across the empire flowing through the city. The mix of cultures and ideas made Marseille one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in France.

6. Social Issues and Working-Class Struggles

While Marseille prospered as a port and industrial centre, it was also a city marked by significant social disparities. Many of the working-class neighbourhoods around the port and industrial areas faced overcrowding, poverty, and harsh living conditions. Immigrant workers, who formed a large part of the workforce, often lived in poor housing and worked in difficult conditions in the docks and factories.

Labour movements and socialist ideas were gaining ground in the city, particularly among the working class. Marseille, like many other industrial cities in France at the time, was seeing the rise of unions and political movements advocating for better working conditions and rights for the labour force.

7. Culture and Identity

Culturally, Marseille in 1903 was a lively, colourful city with a strong sense of local identity. Its Mediterranean culture was evident in its food, music, and daily life. The famous Marseille soap (savon de Marseille), made from olive oil, was one of the city’s well-known exports.

The city’s multicultural population enriched its cultural scene, with influences from Italy, Greece, North Africa, and beyond shaping its cuisine and traditions. The local dialect, Occitan (Provençal), was still spoken, particularly among the older generations, though French was dominant in education and public life.

Conclusion

In 1903, Marseille was a thriving industrial and port city, a vital link between France and the wider Mediterranean and colonial world. Its economy was booming thanks to trade, industry, and its role in the French Empire, while its population was growing and becoming more diverse due to immigration. However, the city also faced social challenges, including poverty and difficult working conditions for many of its residents. The city’s rich cultural tapestry, historical landmarks, and dynamic port activities made it one of the most important and vibrant cities in France during this period.

P & O in Marseille in 1903: A Brief Account

In 1903, P&O (Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company) played a significant role in Marseille, as the city was a key Mediterranean port on its routes between Britain and various parts of the British Empire, particularly India, the Far East, and Australia. Marseille was not only a crucial port for trade but also a vital stopover for passengers, mail, and cargo travelling to and from Britain through the Suez Canal, which had dramatically shortened the journey to these destinations since its opening in 1869.

P&O’s Operations in Marseille in 1903:

1. Key Stop on P&O’s Mediterranean Routes

Marseille was an essential port on P&O’s steamship routes between the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and the Far East. It served as a key Mediterranean hub where passengers and cargo could be transferred between ships or transported overland to other destinations in France and Europe.

P&O ships would dock at Marseille as part of their Mediterranean passage:

• Ships travelling from London or Southampton to Alexandria, Bombay (Mumbai), or Sydney would often stop in Marseille to refuel, resupply, and take on new passengers.
• It was an important port for ships on the way to the Suez Canal, which was a crucial part of P&O’s route to the East, linking Europe to Asia.

2. Passenger Services

Marseille was a major embarkation and disembarkation point for passengers travelling on P&O steamships. By 1903, P&O had built a reputation for providing luxurious passenger services, and Marseille’s location as a hub for Mediterranean and colonial routes made it a popular stop for travellers headed to or returning from British colonies.

• First-class passengers would enjoy stops in Marseille as part of their long journey to destinations such as India or Australia, either for business, colonial administration, or leisure.
• Wealthy travellers from France and other European countries often used Marseille as a gateway to the British Empire, boarding P&O ships to head towards the colonies.

3. Mail and Cargo Transport

P&O was integral to the transport of mail between Britain and its colonies, and Marseille played a key role as a stopping point on these mail routes. In 1903, Marseille was an essential part of the Imperial Mail Service, with ships docking to handle important correspondence between Europe, North Africa, India, and beyond.

• Marseille also handled significant amounts of cargo, especially goods such as tea, spices, textiles, and raw materials being shipped to and from the British Empire. P&O’s operations in Marseille ensured that these goods could be efficiently transferred between maritime routes and European markets.

4. Marseille as a Hub for Mediterranean Trade

Marseille’s proximity to other key Mediterranean ports and its strategic location made it a vital hub for P&O’s broader operations in the region. Goods and passengers could easily move between Marseille and other key Mediterranean cities like Genoa, Naples, and Alexandria, either continuing by ship or by overland connections.

P&O’s presence in Marseille helped the company establish itself as a major player in both the commercial and passenger shipping industries, not only between Britain and its colonies but also within Europe.

5. Refueling and Maintenance

In 1903, P&O steamships were still dependent on coal, and Marseille was a significant port for refuelling. The port had well-developed facilities for refuelling large ships, and many P&O vessels used Marseille to stock up on coal before continuing their journeys to the East.

The New Docks (Docks de la Joliette), built in the 19th century, were some of the largest and most modern in Europe at the time and provided essential facilities for maintaining and resupplying ships. P&O ships likely took advantage of these facilities while in port.

6. Competition and Influence

Although P&O was the dominant shipping company connecting Britain with its colonies, it faced competition from French shipping companies, particularly Messageries Maritimes, which was also based in Marseille and operated routes to the Far East and Indochina. Messageries Maritimes and P&O were rivals in transporting both goods and passengers across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Despite this competition, P&O maintained a strong presence in Marseille due to its extensive network and British government contracts for mail and military transport, which gave it a considerable advantage over its competitors.

Conclusion

In 1903, Marseille was a crucial stopover for P&O’s global operations, serving as a key link in the company’s extensive routes connecting Britain to its empire via the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal. The city’s strategic location allowed P&O to handle passengers, mail, and cargo efficiently while also serving as a major refuelling and resupply port for ships on long voyages to India, Australia, and beyond. P&O’s operations in Marseille were emblematic of its role in connecting Europe to the British Empire, and the port’s infrastructure supported the company’s dominance in global maritime trade and transport during the early 20th century.

Moullot Fils, Marseille: A Brief History

Moullot Fils was a French printing and publishing house based in Marseille, known for producing high-quality lithographs, maps, and posters. Operating during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Moullot Fils was particularly well-regarded for its cartographic work and the artistic qualities of its prints. The name “Fils” indicates that the company was run by the son(s) of the original founder, a common practice in family-run businesses of that era.

Key Aspects of Moullot Fils:

1. Lithography and Printing Expertise

Moullot Fils specialised in lithographic printing, which was a popular method of producing high-quality images and maps during the 19th century. Lithography, which uses a flat stone or metal plate to apply ink selectively, allowed for detailed and colourful prints, making it ideal for both artistic works and practical applications like maps.

Their expertise in this field helped them gain a reputation for producing detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps, which were in demand for both practical navigation and decorative purposes.

2. Production of Maps and Plans

One of the most notable contributions of Moullot Fils was the production of maps and urban plans, particularly of the city of Marseille and the surrounding region. These maps, often referred to as Plans Monumentals, detailed the city’s streets, landmarks, and infrastructure, and were likely used by locals, businesses, and tourists alike.

• Plan Monumental de la Ville de Marseille: One of their most famous works, this map provided a detailed layout of Marseille, showcasing its streets, landmarks, and major public buildings. These kinds of maps were popular in European cities during the period, serving both as practical guides and as symbols of civic pride.
• Their maps would often highlight key urban developments, transportation routes, and architectural landmarks, reflecting Marseille’s growth as a major port and cultural centre.

3. Posters and Commercial Work

In addition to maps, Moullot Fils was involved in creating advertising posters and other commercial prints. Poster art was a booming industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in cities like Marseille, which was a hub for commerce and tourism. These posters often advertised events, products, and services, and the Moullot Fils prints were likely known for their artistic quality and vibrant use of colour.

4. Local and Regional Focus

While some printing houses in France had a more national or international reach, Moullot Fils was particularly associated with the Provence region, specifically Marseille. Their work often focused on local landmarks, cultural heritage, and regional maps, making them a key contributor to the visual and cultural landscape of Marseille at the time.

Their work, particularly in mapmaking, was part of a broader tradition of urban cartography that helped cities promote themselves and provide useful tools for navigation and urban planning.

5. Artistic Influence

Like many lithographic firms of the time, Moullot Fils likely collaborated with or employed artists and designers to create visually appealing prints. The intersection of art and practicality is a hallmark of many lithographic works from this period, and Moullot Fils’ prints were likely known for their artistic quality as much as for their technical precision.

Conclusion

Moullot Fils was a significant lithographic and publishing house in Marseille, known for producing detailed maps, urban plans, and posters. Their contribution to Marseille’s visual culture, particularly through their Plan Monumental de la Ville de Marseille, reflects the company’s importance in documenting and celebrating the city’s growth and heritage. Their work in lithography, particularly for maps and posters, positioned them as a key player in the artistic and commercial life of Marseille during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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