Robert Wilkinson (cartographer) facts for kids
Robert Wilkinson was an English map maker and publisher who lived from about 1768 to 1825. He was known for creating and selling maps, atlases (books of maps), and other printed works.
Robert Wilkinson's Career
Robert Wilkinson learned a lot from another English map publisher named John Bowles. After Bowles passed away in 1779, Wilkinson bought all of Bowles's map plates. These plates were like special metal stamps used to print maps.
Making Atlases and Maps
Wilkinson then updated these map plates. In 1794, he released his most famous work, The General Atlas of the World. An atlas is a book filled with maps. This atlas was so popular that it was printed again in 1802 and 1809. It continued to be reissued even until Wilkinson's death in 1825.
He also published other important works, including:
- Bowen and Kitchin's Large English Atlas in 1785.
- Speer's West Indies in 1796.
- Atlas Classica in 1797.
- Separate maps of places like New Holland (which is now Australia) in 1820.
- A map of North America in 1823.
Wilkinson also helped publish a series of pictures called Londina Illustrata. These pictures showed historic buildings and scenes in London. They were released in parts from 1808 to 1819, and then put into two books in 1819 and 1825.
Wilkinson's Office Locations
Robert Wilkinson had his main office in London. From 1792 to 1816, his business was at No. 58, Cornhill. Later, from 1816 until 1825, he moved his office to 125, Fenchurch Street, also in London.
After Robert Wilkinson passed away, another publisher named William Darton Jr. bought his business and all his map plates. Darton Jr. then continued to print Wilkinson's popular General Atlas.]
