Bartholomew
Late18th to 20th century, British Publishers
Bartholomew is without doubt one of the most famous names in modern cartography. The firm, which was founded in 1784 and is still going today, has contributed to the field of modern cartography from many angles, whether by editing, compiling, engraving and advising on all types of maps to the general contribution to other cartographers works.
The list of companies to which Bartholomew's work was a pivotable part of the production is a veritable who's who of the modern cartography business. These include companies such as Lizars, Fullerton, George Philip & Son, John Walker & Co, Blacks, etc.
The first name or christian name John has passed down through many generations at Bartholomew's, with three John Bartholomews having continued in the business right into the 20th century.
While the Bartholomew maps are relatively modern they are appreciated by collectors as well engraved maps which were printed from steel plates. Steel plates were renowned for their accuracy and fidelity of reproduction, as well as the fact that they out lasted copper plates and thus were eminently suited to longer print runs. John George Bartholomew is credited as being the inventor of layer colouring, which was first introduced in 1888.
In 1989, the firm merged with Glasgow publisher Collins, part of the multinational HarperCollins Publishers.
