Philip Lea (c. 1660 - 1700)

English cartographer, globemaker, scientific instrument maker, and publisher active during the late seventeenth century. A prolific figure in the field of cartographic production, Lea was known for printing, revising, and republishing maps, often in collaboration with—or through the acquisition of plates from—fellow cartographers such as Herman Moll, Robert Morden, John Ogilby, and John Seller.

Among his most notable partnerships was that with Robert Morden, with whom he co-produced A New Terrestrial Globe made by Rt. Morden, Wm. Berry, Ph. Lea in 1683. In 1687, working with John Ogilby, Lea published The Traveller’s Guide: Being the Best Map of the Kingdom of England and Principality of Wales. That same year, in collaboration with John Overton, he issued A New Mapp of America. In 1693, he undertook a significant revision and reissue of Christopher Saxton’s The Shires of England and Wales. Between approximately 1683 and 1686, Lea operated from the sign of the Atlas & Hercules in the Poultry district of London, opposite Old Jewry. From 1687 until his death in 1700, he continued his work from Atlas & Hercules premises in Cheapside near Friday Street, although between 1689 and 1695 his business was at times also listed at Westminster Hall, near the Court of Common Pleas. Lea began his professional training in 1675 as an apprentice to Robert Morden, under the auspices of the Worshipful Company of Weavers, one of the City of London’s livery companies.

Following his death in 1700, his widow, Ann Lea, assumed control of the business, which she managed successfully for a further twenty-five years.