Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

‘Back to the Drawing Board’: Map-Making and the Royal Geographical Society (1830–1990)

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Dissemination of Cartographic Knowledge

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Geoinformation and Cartography ((ICA))

Abstract

Original holograph and manuscript cartographic materials, for potential or eventual publication by the Royal Geographical Society, survive in considerable variety, number and condition. The RGS’s first commissioned map (1830) was a facsimile of Hereford Cathedral’s medieval manuscript mappamundi. From 1854 Map Room staff became draughtsmen of large diagram maps for lectures; until 1877 external draughtsmen were generally employed to copy or produce the RGS’s published illustrations. Manuscript itineraries, astronomical observations for position-fixing, sketch maps (some derived from ‘native’ or indigenous sources), and printed items (Admiralty charts, War Office maps) were bases for compiling maps and large diagrams. Survey Department Egypt’s Capt. H.G. Lyons sent 6200 copies of the Nile basin orographical map for his Journal article (Lyons. Geogr J 32(5):[449]–480, 1908). Compilation rules (data sources noted), toponymy (transliteration, Romanisation and orthography), lettering styles, and technical processes (steel, then quill, pens to scribing) evolved. To recoup its expenses the Society hired out or loaned its illustrations and artefacts to other events and institutions (Herbert. The Royal Geographical Society. In: Monmonier (ed) The history of cartography, vol 6. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, pp 1371–1375, 2015).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Ala’i C (2005) General maps of Persia 1477-1925: 249-52. Brill, Leiden

    Google Scholar 

  • Becroft J (1841) On Benin and the upper course of the River Quorra, or Niger. J RGS 11:184–192. Map opposite p 184

    Google Scholar 

  • Bederman SH (1992) The Royal Geographical Society, E.G. Ravenstein, and A map of eastern equatorial Africa—1877-1883. Imago Mundi 44:106–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Britton J (1830) Mr Britton’s Remarks on Hereford Map (endorsement [Capt. A. Maconochie, RGS Sec.]). RGS-IBG Archives, JMS/19/1 (holograph [3] pp)

    Google Scholar 

  • Crone GR (1955) Royal Geographical Society: a record 1931-55. Murray for RGS, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Crone GR (1964) Publications of the Royal Geographical Society: a chronological list of periodicals, special publications and maps, 1832-1964. RGS, London (Library Ser., 7)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dalton JC (ca November 1892) Memorandum on a proposed system of map compilation for the Royal Geographical Society. ‘For Members of Council only’

    Google Scholar 

  • Freshfield D (1896) The exploration of the Caucasus, vol 2. Arnold, London [Holograph map without toponyms ‘The peaks, passes & glaciers of the central Caucasus’ in RGS-IBG Map Collection]

    Google Scholar 

  • Geographical Association (1904) Catalogue of the geographical exhibition arranged by the Geographical Association, and shown in London and elsewhere in 1904: a Supplement to The Geographical Teacher, vol II. George Philip & Son Ltd for the Geographical Association, London; Philip, Son & Nephew, Liverpool

    Google Scholar 

  • George C (1877) 26 April letter of resignation from RGS. RGS-IBG Archives (holograph) CB6 1871-80

    Google Scholar 

  • Heffernan M (1995) Geography, cartography and military intelligence: the Royal Geographical Society and the First World War. Trans Inst Br Geogr NS 21(3):504–533

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herbert F (1983) The Royal Geographical Society, the map trade and geographical publishing in Britain ca 1830-1930: an introduction with a listing of some 250 Fellows. Imago Mundi 35:[90]–125

    Google Scholar 

  • Herbert F (1986) The Map is a very pretty one. Map Collector 35:22–27 [NB (to editors): the title is a quotation from a 19th-century MS comment on a map presented to RGS]

    Google Scholar 

  • Herbert F (1999–2001+) The Hereford mappamundi: manuscript, and selected printed, references 1802-49 collected … 1999-2001 as basis for article(s) on the Royal Geographical Society’s interest in the original … in Hereford Cathedral and the Society’s commissioning from Thomas Ballard of its 1831 manuscript facsimile, upon which that made in 1841 for Edme Jomard of the Bibliothèque royale [=Bibliothèque Nationale de France] in Paris was based [Database since extended to 1891]

    Google Scholar 

  • [Herbert F] (2005) Cartography of convenience. Hand-map of a portion of the interior of Spitsbergen, Svalbard (1897). Geographical 77(5):22 [Martin Conway’s 1896 Spitsbergen travels]

    Google Scholar 

  • Herbert F (2010) The RGS/OS 1927 plan of Cambridge for 1928 IGC: cartography’s and calligraphy’s contribution… Cartographiti: The Newsletter of the Map Curators’ Group of the British Cartographic Society 84:13–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Herbert F (2015) The Royal Geographical Society. In: Monmonier M (ed) The history of cartography, vol 6. University of Chicago Press, Chicago, pp 1371–1375

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinks AR (1913) Memorandum on need of small Technical Library for special use of Instruction Room and Drawing Office. [3] pp holograph and typescript 2 leaves + and carbon copy: top copy with MS note “Please put this on Agenda of next Library Committee. H.J. Lyons hon. Sec.”, “Recommended to Council”. ‘Books required for use in Map Drawing Department’ (MS list of 15+ items, ca 1909-14 inclusive); letters of 8 and 22 Oct. 1913 between Hinks and Sifton & Praed’s A.J. Sifton FRGS, and one of 23 May 1914 between Sifton & RGS Chief Clerk regarding the order. RGS-IBG Archives, CB8 1911–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinks AR (1925/1926?) Note on style of drawing required in sketch maps to illustrate books of travel, and for blocks in text of Geographical Journal ([4] pp holograph + 3 pp typescript)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinks AR (1926) Report of the ninety-third meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Southampton: [87]–100. London

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinks AR (1944/1947) Maps and survey, 5th edn. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland GS (1980) The centenary of the Society’s Drawing Office. Geogr J 146:[210]–217

    Google Scholar 

  • Keltie JS (1887) Subscription List [for assistance to H.A. Milne] RGS-IBG Archives, CB7 1881–90 (holograph)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kettle DW (1885/1886) Pens, Ink, and Paper: a discourse upon The Caligraphic [!] Art; with Curiosa, And an Appendix of Some Famous English Penmen. “by Bro: Daniel Walter Kettle, F.R.G.S., Cosmographer. Read at a Meeting of ‘The Sette’, at Freemasons’ Tavern, on Friday, November 6th., 1885…. Presented to the Sette on January 8th, 1886 … Imprynted by ye COSMOGRAPHER, At ye Sign of ‘Ye Golden Buck’, over against Fetter Lane end, 53, in Fleet Street, London. MDCCCLXXXV.” (No. X of ‘Privately Printed Opuscula Issued to the Members of the Sette of ODD VOLUMES.’; ‘Edition limited to 233 copies’)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis CL (1945) The making of a map: a brief summary. Estates Gazette, London (RGS Pamphlet Ser., 1)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyons HG (1908) Some geographical aspects of the Nile. Geogr J 32(5):[449]–480. Folded map opposite p 548

    Google Scholar 

  • Markham CR (1910) The land of the Incas. Geogr J 36(4):[381]–404. Folded map opposite p 512

    Google Scholar 

  • Mill HR (1930) The record of the Royal Geographical Society 1830-1930. RGS, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Milne HA (1881) Letter of application. RGS-IBG Archives, CB7 1881-90 (holograph)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mumford I (1999) Milestones in lithographed cartography from 1800. PhD thesis, Dept. of Typography & Graphic Communication, University of Reading, 11.12.1999

    Google Scholar 

  • New Zealand International Exhibition (1906) British government exhibit: Official catalogue … Geography and exploration. British Government Committee, London. ‘Introduction’ dated 30 July 1906

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearson [Cook] KS (1978/1980) Lithographic maps in nineteenth century [!] geographical journals. PhD thesis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1978; University Microfilms International 1980

    Google Scholar 

  • Porter & Cary (1878) Geographical Journal Advertiser 6 (top)

    Google Scholar 

  • Reeves EA (1910) Maps and map-making: three lectures delivered under the auspices of the Royal Geographical Society [‘Special lectures on maps and map-making’: 5, 12 & 19 March 1909]. RGS, London. In back pocket: special printing of ‘Central Equatorial Africa. Survey of the Uganda—Congo Boundary on the western frontier of the Uganda Protectorate by the British Commission under the command of Lieut.-Col. R.G.T. Bright, C.M.G. 1907-08.’, scale 1:750 000, headed above border “FROM THE GEOGRAPHICAL JOURNAL 1909” and “TO ACCOMPANY REEVES’ “MAPS AND MAP MAKING [!]” (see ‘Survey and exploration in the Ruwenzori and lake region, Central Africa’ by Major R.G.T. Bright (1909) in GJ 34(2): 128–156, folded map opp. p 240)

    Google Scholar 

  • Reeves EA (1933) The recollections of a geographer. Seeley Service, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Riches D (2012) Collecting drawing instruments. Hexagon Press (2017: D&M Heritage Press, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire)

    Google Scholar 

  • Royal Geographical Society (1854) Hints to travellers. Murray for RGS, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Royal Geographical Society (1892) Report of meeting of Special Sub-Committee delegated to the R.G.S. Library and Map Committee to enquire into and report on the proposals of Lieut.-Col. J.C. Dalton, R.A., as to the Maps published by the R.G.S. Held at 18 Queen Anne’s Gate, S.W. ‘For the use of Members of Council only’

    Google Scholar 

  • Royal Geographical Society, Map Drawing Office (ca 1900–1978) Manuscript log-book of Map Drawing Office. Earliest entry 1899, continued to July 1943; entries from March–December 1969, and Easter 1976–March 1978

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharbau H (1898) RGS-IBG Archives, CB7 1881-90

    Google Scholar 

  • Stanton A (2017) RGS Drawing Office 1970s [personal communications]

    Google Scholar 

  • Talbot PA (1913) ‘Southern Nigeria Sketch Map of the Eket District to illustrate the paper by P. Amaury Talbot (1913)’: hand map lacking scales

    Google Scholar 

  • Talbot PA (1914) The land of the Ibibios, southern Nigeria. Geogr J 44(3):286–306. Folded map opposite p 340

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vavasour HM (1877) Letter of recommendation for W.J. Turner. RGS-IBG Archives, CB6 1871–80 (holograph)

    Google Scholar 

  • Verner C (1971) Maps by John Arrowsmith in the publications of the Royal Geographical Society. Map Collectors’ Circle, London (MCC Ser., 76). Page 8 [layout details] explains “State: It has not been possible to make a complete identification of states”—hence nothing concerning map No. 29 ‘Sketch of the Delta of the Indus by Lieut. T.G. Carless I.N. 1837.’ (J RGS, 1838). There exist at least three states, identical in title and marginalia (one with mis-spelling ‘Longitude E. from Grenwich’ [sic]), with orthographical variations from author’s holograph (with toponyms edited in pencil by J. Washington) and its printed Journal text

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker JT (1894) Note on the R.G.S. map of Tibet. Geogr J 4(1):52–54. Folded map opposite p 96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Washington J (1831) Geographical notice of the Empire of Marocco … Read 11th and 25th April, 1831. J RGS 1:123–155. Folded map opposite p 123

    Google Scholar 

  • Worms L, Baynton-Williams A (2011) British map engravers: a dictionary of engravers, lithographers and their principal employers to 1850. Rare Book Society, London

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The author thanks Tim Bryars for inviting him to be guest lecturer at the annual London Antique Map Fair at the Royal Geographical Society-IBG, on 6 and 7 June 2009; for the same occasion, at the author’s request, retired RGS draughtsman E.J. (‘Ted’) Hatch kindly displayed an accompanying small selection of RGS Map Drawing Office instruments, some of which are amongst those illustrated here. Former RGS-IBG Collections colleagues have made both the source materials and PowerPoint presentations possible. To his younger nephew, Robert Johnston, he is grateful for technical help in preparing a revised PowerPoint version of the 2009 lectures for delivery at the ICA History of Cartography Commission’s Symposium ‘The dissemination of cartographic knowledge: production, trade, consumption, preservation’ in Dubrovnik, 13–15 October 2016.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. RGS-IBG (retired), London, UK

    Francis Herbert

Authors
  1. Francis Herbert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Francis Herbert .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Social Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia

    Mirela Altić

  2. Department of History, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA

    Imre Josef Demhardt

  3. Department of Geography, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Soetkin Vervust

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this paper

Cite this paper

Herbert, F. (2018). ‘Back to the Drawing Board’: Map-Making and the Royal Geographical Society (1830–1990). In: Altić, M., Demhardt, I., Vervust, S. (eds) Dissemination of Cartographic Knowledge. Lecture Notes in Geoinformation and Cartography(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61515-8_9

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation