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Robert Wilkinson (1752 - 1836)

London map publisher, engraver, and printseller active during the late c.18th and early c.19th. He was one of the principal successors to the cartographic and print publishing traditions associated with John Bowles and Carington Bowles, operating from premises at 58 Cornhill, London.

Wilkinson began his career as an engraver and printseller before emerging as a map publisher in his own right in the 1780s. He acquired and reissued numerous copperplates from earlier firms, particularly those of John Bowles and his successors, updating them to reflect contemporary geographical knowledge. Among his most significant publications is A General Atlas, Being a Collection of Maps of the World and Quarters, the Principal Empires, Kingdoms & States throughout the Known World (first issued 1794). This work compiled maps engraved by several hands, many adapted from earlier Bowles plates but brought up to date in line with late c.18th exploration and political change.

Wilkinson remained active in London until his death in 1836.

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