Benjamin Cole (instrument maker) facts for kids
Benjamin Cole (1695–1766) was a talented English craftsman. He was a surveyor, who measured land, and a cartographer, who made maps. He also created scientific instruments, engraved pictures, and bound books. Benjamin Cole lived in Oxford. His sons, William and Benjamin, also became instrument makers in London. Another son, Maximilian, was an engraver in Oxford.
Benjamin Cole's Work
Benjamin Cole was very interested in freemasonry, a social and charitable organization. He became the official engraver for the Grand Lodge in 1743. He engraved the front page for their 1756 Book of Constitutions.
Maps and Books
Cole drew maps for the first edition of William Maitland's History of London. This important book was published in 1769. He also engraved music, including a song for Freemasons.
His illustrations appeared in many different books. These ranged from children's fables to military training manuals. He worked with Edward Oakley on a book called The Magazine of Architecture. This book taught about a style of building called Palladian architecture.
Instrument Making
Cole made many different types of instruments. You can find his instruments in museums across Britain today. He learned his skills from Thomas Wright. Their company, Wright & Cole, operated until 1748.
After that, Cole took over the business. From 1751 to 1766, his company was called Cole & Son. They worked from a shop called the Orrery in Fleet Street, London. An Orrery is a model of the solar system. Later, in 1782, John Troughton took over the business. The company continued to grow and changed names over the years.
Cole Family
Benjamin Cole started a family tradition of engravers for the Freemasons. His son, Benjamin (1725-1813), learned the trade from his father. Another son, William, became an engraver for the Bank of England.
William also took over the engraving of lists for the Freemasons in 1767. William's son, John, later opened a special printing office for Masonic materials in London.
