Description
Large 19th century English globe by the JOHNSTON brothers
Dimensions: H 106 cm x D 66 cm
Very large 19th century English globe by W & A.K JOHNSTON
Terrestrial globe with mahogany tripod base connected by a spacer supporting a large compass. Its turned wooden shaft supports an equatorial table on which the months of the year and the astrological signs are inscribed. This zodiacal band supports the globe by its equatorial axis and its equinoctial circle.
The bronze chaise longue is graduated along its entire length and its top marks the hours and quarter hours.
A title block reads “18 INCH TERRESTRIAL GLOBE, by W. & A.K.JOHNSTON Geographers, Engravers & Printers to the Queen Edinburg & London”
The A.K JOHNSTON company was one of the largest map publishing houses in England in the 19th century.
Created in 1826 by brothers William (1802-1888) and Alexander Keith JOHNSTON (1804-1871) who had trained with the great James Kirkwood (globe manufacturer), this firm quickly rose to the forefront of English cartographers.
Both geographers, engravers and printers as mentioned on our globe, they obtained the royal appointment from Queen Victoria.
Alexander Keith became royal geographer of Scotland in 1843 and his brother, William, became Lord of Edinburgh and was knighted.
The Great Exhibition of 1851 presented their 30-inch globe, then one of the first British productions which earned them great recognition.
Their business prospered until the beginning of the 20th century, even after their deaths.
This imposing globe is therefore a beautiful production from a large 19th century firm.
Restoration of use and maintenance