John Cary 18th Century map of Bedfordshire, c1787

by Cary, John

Antique Map of Bedfordshire County. J. Cary c1787.

Original well-detailed copperplate-engraved map for the New and Correct English Atlas, engraved and published circa 1787 (with fine later hand-colour), by one of the finest cartographers of English county maps, surveyor John Cary (1754-1835). Cary’s maps always represented the latest accurate geographical information. His maps are distinctive for their contemporary modern style and clarity of engraving, without the embellishments of earlier mapmakers.

John Cary served his apprenticeship as an engraver in London. He then sold maps, globes and atlases from his own business in the Strand. In 1783 John Cary founded a family business, establishing a reputation for excellence in the engraving and lettering of maps of British counties, road maps, town and canal plans, sea charts, world atlases, and terrestrial and celestial globes. Cary was commissioned to survey all the major roads of England. Cary’s most important early publications were “Actual Survey of the country 15 miles round London” in 1786, and “New and Correct English Atlas” in 1787 (which became a standard reference work in England).

This map has fine later hand-colour. To the plate mark measure 275 x 225mm (10.75 x 9 inches).