EASTERN HEMISPHERE – THE ANCIENT WORLD

Engraver: Benjamin Baker
Publisher: Not stated
Price: £20
Publication Date: c.1800
Edition: Not stated
Format: Original copper engraving
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 20.8cm x 23.7cm

Condition:

Not dated but c. 1800. Original fold lines. Very minor age toning and offsetting. In very good condition overall.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002554

Benjamin Baker (1766–1841): A Detailed Biography

Benjamin Baker was a distinguished British mapmaker and engraver whose contributions to cartography in the late 18th and early 19th centuries left an indelible mark on the field. Born in London in 1766, Baker grew up in an environment that nurtured his technical skills and artistic talent. His father, Edward Baker, was an instrument maker, a trade that likely influenced Benjamin’s early interest in precision and craftsmanship.

Early Training and Career

Baker began his professional journey through an apprenticeship with Thomas Beresford, a watchmaker, where he gained an appreciation for meticulous detail. However, his path soon shifted towards engraving when he trained under William Palmer, an engraver and globemaker. This pivotal experience laid the foundation for Baker’s illustrious career in cartography and engraving.

By the late 18th century, Baker was collaborating with some of the most prominent cartographers and publishers of his time. His skills in engraving detailed and accurate maps quickly earned him a reputation for excellence. His early works demonstrated a mastery of both artistry and scientific accuracy, qualities highly prized in mapmaking during an era of exploration and empire.

Major Works and Contributions

Baker’s association with William Faden, a leading geographer and publisher, was a defining aspect of his career. Faden, who held the prestigious position of Geographer to the King, often entrusted Baker with the engraving of his maps. Among Baker’s notable works is the detailed map of the Eastern Hemisphere, which showcases his ability to combine geographical precision with elegant design. His maps were characterised by clear, legible lettering and a keen attention to geographical detail, making them invaluable tools for navigation and study.

In addition to his collaborations, Baker also worked on a number of maps for the British Ordnance Survey, the government body responsible for creating detailed maps of Britain. In 1804, Baker was appointed the principal engraver for the Ordnance Survey, a role that cemented his status as one of the foremost topographical engravers of his era. He supervised a team of engravers, ensuring the production of maps that met the highest standards of accuracy and craftsmanship.

Artistic Style and Legacy

Baker’s engraving style was marked by a precision that reflected his early training, as well as an artistic flair that elevated his maps beyond mere technical documents. He employed fine lines and intricate hatching to represent topographical features, creating a sense of depth and realism. His works were not only functional but also visually striking, appealing to both scholars and the general public.

Baker’s legacy extended beyond his own lifetime. His son, Benjamin Richard Baker, followed in his footsteps, becoming a respected mapmaker, engraver, and printer in his own right. The family name thus became synonymous with excellence in the field of cartography.

Final Years and Influence

Benjamin Baker continued his work well into the 19th century, maintaining a reputation for skill and reliability. He passed away on 29 June 1841, leaving behind a body of work that remains highly regarded among historians and collectors of antique maps. His contributions to the Ordnance Survey and his collaborations with leading publishers of the day ensured that his maps played a significant role in shaping the geographical knowledge of his time.

Today, Baker’s maps are celebrated not only for their historical value but also for their artistry. They stand as a testament to a period when cartography was both a science and an art, requiring the perfect balance of technical precision and creative vision.

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