Firm’s proud history is all mapped out

Published on 07/12/2012 12:00

THE work of a map-making firm which rose from humble beginnings nearly 200 years ago to international acclaim is the focus of a new exhibition.

The National Library of Scotland display tells the story of John Bartholomew & Son, perhaps best known for producing the Times Atlas Of The World series and the Reader’s Digest Great World Atlas.

The free exhibition, which opens today, will see many of the firm’s treasures go on show for the first time.

Based in the Capital from 1820 to 1995, the company grew to become one of the world’s finest publishers of maps and atlases.

Curator Karla Baker said: “Many people love the beauty of maps and my hope is that the exhibition will have a broad appeal and people will discover the great skill involved in putting together the maps of yesterday.”