Ordnance Survey – Great Britain's national mapping agency

Maker of historic maps dies in Edinburgh

29 January 2008

A man who mapped locations all over the world has died at the age of 85 this week.

John Bartholomew was a former president of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and director of the ‘world-renowned’ Edinburgh mapping business John Bartholomew and Sons.

His work included engraving a map of the Scottish city as it was back in 1825, and in the mid-19th century his firm thrived as Edinburgh rose to be the atlas-producing capital of the world, reports the Edinburgh News.

As well as giving lectures and talks throughout his life, John also produced hundreds of hand-drawn maps, including a map of Edinburgh Zoo, which has become part of the official guide to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

Furthermore, his firm produced the ‘internationally renowned’ Times Atlas of the World, A to Z street plans as well as a ‘huge variety’ of other maps for customers all over the globe.

He leaves behind five sons: John, Eric, Philip, Christopher, Patrick and Ivon; 11 grandchildren and his wife, Ginette

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