John Bartholomew sr. (1805-1861)

Scottish cartographer and engraver, the son of George Bartholomew (1784–1871), he founded the engraving and mapmaking firm of John Bartholomew and Son Ltd. in 1826. Bartholomew also worked for George Philip & Son.  A man of high standards, as were his successors; he was an accomplished engraver, engraving becoming the foundation of the firm; lithography would follow later. He also had the vision to recognise the potential for the firm. He was a shy man, holding back from public life. In 1859, shortly before he died, John Senior passed the business on to his son John Bartholomew Junior (1831–1893).