Continuation Of The Roads To Glasgow And Edinburgh As Far As Longtown And Morpeth – Sheet 21 – 1806

Publisher: Laurie & Whittle
Price: £35 including postage in the UK
Publication Date: 1806
Edition: First edition
Sheet Size: 26.7cm x 31.8cm
Condition: Very good

Condition:

‘Includes roads to Scarborough, Whitby, Sunderland and South & North Shields. Roads measured from Hick’s Hall.’ Original copper-engraved map.Early hand-colouring. Sheet size: 26.7cm x 31.8cm. Blank to the verso. Minor age toning and browning which is mainly confined to the margins. Minor nicks to the edges. In very good condition overall.

Laurie & Whittle: London Map and Print Publishers: A Brief Account

Introduction

Laurie & Whittle was one of the most significant British publishing partnerships of the late Georgian period, operating primarily as map sellers, chart publishers, and print dealers from Fleet Street, London. Active at a moment of intense geopolitical change, the firm played an important role in shaping how Britons understood the world geographically, politically, and visually during the age of revolution and empire.

The partnership represents a crucial link between the great mid-eighteenth-century map trade and the more specialised hydrographic publishing of the nineteenth century.

Origins and Formation

The firm was established in 1794 by Robert Laurie and James Whittle, following their takeover of the business and extensive stock of Robert Sayer, one of the most influential British map and print publishers of the previous generation.

Sayer’s premises at 53 Fleet Street provided Laurie & Whittle with:

• A vast back catalogue of engraved plates
• Established commercial relationships
• Immediate credibility within the London print trade

This inheritance allowed the new partnership to operate at scale from its inception.

Fleet Street and the London Print Trade

Fleet Street in the late eighteenth century was a centre for:

• Cartographic publishing
• Print selling and engraving
• Bookselling and news distribution

Laurie & Whittle were well positioned to serve both professional users—naval officers, merchants, and surveyors—and a general educated public increasingly interested in geography, travel, and current affairs.

Their shop functioned as both a retail space and a hub for the circulation of visual information.

Cartographic Output

Maps and Atlases

Laurie & Whittle are best known for their extensive publication of:

• World maps and hemispheres
• European and British county maps
• Colonial and imperial maps
• Thematic and educational maps

Many plates were updated versions of earlier engravings, revised to reflect:

• Changing national boundaries
• New political entities
• Recent wars and treaties

The firm prioritised clarity, accuracy, and utility, ensuring their maps remained commercially relevant despite their inherited origins.

Nautical Charts

A particularly important aspect of their business was the production and sale of nautical charts. These were essential tools for:

• The Royal Navy
• Merchant shipping
• Overseas trade and exploration

This focus laid the groundwork for the later dominance of R. H. Laurie as a specialist hydrographic publisher in the nineteenth century.

Prints and Caricatures

In addition to maps, Laurie & Whittle were active publishers of satirical and decorative prints, continuing a well-established London tradition.

Their prints addressed:

• British domestic politics
• The French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars
• Social manners and fashion
• Military and naval life

While not always associated with the most famous caricaturists, the firm’s output reflects the tastes, anxieties, and humour of late Georgian society.

Business Practices and Innovation

Laurie & Whittle exemplified the commercial pragmatism of the period’s print trade:

• Reusing and adapting existing plates to reduce costs
• Hand-colouring maps and prints for different market segments
• Issuing works in multiple formats and sizes
• Balancing serious technical material with popular visual culture

This adaptability allowed them to remain competitive in a crowded and rapidly evolving marketplace.

Dissolution and Succession

By 1812, the partnership came to an end. James Whittle retired from the business, and Robert Laurie continued publishing independently. The firm evolved into R. H. Laurie, which became one of Britain’s leading nautical publishers throughout the nineteenth century.

This continuity underscores Laurie & Whittle’s importance as a transitional enterprise rather than a brief or isolated venture.

Historical Significance and Legacy

Laurie & Whittle are now recognised as:

• Key disseminators of late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century cartographic knowledge
• Important custodians and renovators of Robert Sayer’s publishing legacy
• Contributors to Britain’s maritime, imperial, and visual culture

Their maps and prints are widely held in major libraries, museums, and private collections and remain central to the study of Georgian cartography and print commerce.

Conclusion

Laurie & Whittle combined commercial acumen, technical competence, and cultural responsiveness at a pivotal moment in British history. Their work helped mediate between older engraved traditions and the increasingly specialised demands of a global maritime power, securing their place in the history of British publishing.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each item is a valuable and authentic piece of history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every item is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: Each item is selected with a keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, items may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books, maps, artwork and objects. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.

Thank you for looking.