John Cary

(active between 1775 and 1830)

John Cary (1754 – 1835) was one of the main figures in the history of British cartography. He contributed enormously to the development of map-making in England alongside other renowned scholars, such as John Speed, Robert Morden and Emanuel Bowen.

John Cary was born in Wiltshire and trained as an engraver in London. It was not until 1783 that he decided to start a business of his own. The firm had relocated several times until finally settling at 86 St James's Street in 1820. His works were of high quality, and, as for the plates, they were always made of copper, despite the fact that steel plates were becoming more popular among mapmakers due to their increased durability and engraving possibilities. Copper was used in Cary maps long into the nineteenth century, giving them the sensation of a precise steel engraving but with the smooth artistic appearance that only copper can provide.

Throughout his career, Cary collaborated on a number of notable projects. Cary's company was broadened by John Wallis, which led to the expansion of Cary's publishing ventures. Together with a geologist William Smith, Cary created and marketed some of the first geological maps. Beginning in 1819, the duo also produced a significant series of county maps. Cary's views on what was required of maps at the time were sharp and insightful, reflecting the shifting socio political events of the century.

With major industry on the horizon, transportation requirements and related communications were fast outpacing existing maps. In 1789, he took over from Robert Morden, publishing in the previously established atlas, Camden's Britannia, to display off his newly communications-enhanced county maps. In 1794, he was appointed surveyor of roads to the General Post Office, which led to the publication of the New Itinerary in 1798.

John Cary taught engraving to his son George, and in 1821, George and his other son, John Jr., took over the company. G. and J. Cary was the company's name at the time, and it remained in business until 1850.