JOHN CARY

John Cary founded a family business which produced a large number of maps, charts and globes. His first premises were at 188 Strand (1783-1787) moving to 181 Strand in 1791 for a period of nearly thirty years before moving to 86 St. James's Street, London (1820 - 1832)

His ability brought him a special commission in 1794 from the Postmaster-General to survey the roads of Great Britain. He is perhaps best known for the important English county atlases he produced. Cary's New and Correct English Altas which was first published in 1787 but which went into a number of editions in succeeding years. The maps for the new edition of Camden's Britannia by Richard Gough in 1789 and 1806. Cary's Traveller's Companion, 1790 and later editions - a handy pocket reference for the golden age of coaching. He also worked with John Stockdale to produce The New British Atlas in 1805.

He did not confine himself to the British Isles as one of his most famous works is Cary's New Universal Atlas (1808), it was a large collection of maps of all parts of the world, including detailed maps of England and Wales, and it was considered one of the most accurate and detailed atlases of its time.

Cary continued to produce maps and atlases throughout his career, and he is credited with helping to establish the London map trade as a major industry. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his use of the latest surveying techniques to produce accurate and up-to-date maps. Gone is the decoration which his predecessors used on their maps. His maps broke new ground with their modern style of clarity and fine engraving.

Cary's maps and atlases were widely used during the 19th century and played a key role in the development of transportation and communication networks in England and Wales. His work is still highly regarded for its accuracy and attention to detail, and his maps continue to be sought after by collectors and historians today.