zoom_in Click to enlarge

John Arrowsmith

▲ ▼

description John Arrowsmith Overview

John Arrowsmith (1790-1873) was an English cartographer and map publisher who continued the London mapping business associated with his uncle, Aaron Arrowsmith. He produced maps, atlases, and geographical works that incorporated information from explorers, surveyors, and colonial sources. His London Atlas was widely known, and his professional connections included the Royal Geographical Society. His maps are important sources for the study of nineteenth-century exploration and imperial geography.

help John Arrowsmith FAQ

Who was John Arrowsmith related to in the mapmaking business?

John Arrowsmith was the nephew of Aaron Arrowsmith, a highly prominent English cartographer who founded the family's London mapping business. John continued the firm's legacy, eventually becoming a leading map publisher in his own right during the 19th century.

What is John Arrowsmith best known for mapping?

Arrowsmith is best known for his detailed maps of colonial regions and territories actively being explored by British surveyors. His works incorporated the latest geographical information from uncharted areas, particularly focusing on expanding dominions like Australia and Canada.

What professional organizations was John Arrowsmith part of?

Arrowsmith was heavily involved in the Royal Geographical Society, serving as a respected council member and acting as a vital resource for British explorers. He also received the Royal Geographical Society's Patron's Medal in 1863 for his contributions to geography.

What time period did John Arrowsmith operate in?

Living from 1790 to 1873, his career spanned the height of the British Empire, allowing him to rapidly update maps with new colonial data. His atlases and geographical works became standard references for scholars and government officials of the era.