SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE – 1814 – THE ANTARCTIC

Engraver: Robert Kirkwood
Publisher: John Thomson
Price: £75
Publication Date: 1814 for 1817
Edition: Not stated
Format: Original copper engraving
Condition: In good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: 53.4cm x 67.6cm

Condition:

Original fold lines. Archive repairs to the reverse, some of which extend into the map. Age toning, staining and offsetting. In good only condition overall.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder M2000 002556

The Antarctic In The Early 19th Century: A Brief History

The Antarctic in the early 19th century was still largely uncharted territory, though it began to emerge as a focus of serious exploration and scientific curiosity. The century’s early decades saw significant advancements in navigational technology, increased interest in polar regions, and the first direct encounters with the Antarctic continent and its surrounding waters. These developments marked a turning point in the understanding of this remote and mysterious region.

Geographic Understanding

By the early 19th century, the long-standing idea of “Terra Australis Incognita,” a massive southern landmass, was gradually giving way to more accurate notions of the Antarctic as a polar region dominated by ice. Although some explorers and cartographers speculated about its existence, no definitive proof of a southern continent had yet been provided. Maps of the time still featured vast, empty spaces at the southernmost parts of the globe, reflecting the limited knowledge available.

Exploration Efforts

The early 19th century witnessed the first concerted efforts to explore the Antarctic, driven by a mix of scientific ambition, geopolitical interests, and economic incentives. Whaling and sealing expeditions became increasingly common in the sub-Antarctic regions, particularly around islands such as South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands, and the South Orkney Islands. These ventures provided practical experience in navigating the icy southern waters and occasionally brought ships closer to the Antarctic mainland.

The first recorded sightings of the Antarctic mainland occurred during this period, with explorers reaching the edge of the vast ice-covered continent. However, these encounters were fleeting, as the harsh conditions and thick ice made landings nearly impossible. Icebergs, unpredictable weather, and the dangers of prolonged exposure to the polar environment limited the extent of exploration.

Environmental Conditions

The Antarctic was recognised as a place of extreme and unyielding conditions. The seas around the continent were notorious for their fierce winds, towering waves, and floating icebergs, which posed a constant threat to ships. The climate was harsh, with temperatures plunging far below freezing, and the icy terrain appeared barren and desolate to early observers.

Despite these challenges, explorers began to appreciate the uniqueness of the Antarctic environment. The vast ice fields, towering glaciers, and floating icebergs were described with a mixture of awe and trepidation. These early encounters highlighted the stark beauty and unforgiving nature of the region.

Scientific Interest

The Enlightenment’s legacy of scientific inquiry extended into the early 19th century, fostering a growing interest in the Antarctic as a site for exploration and discovery. Naturalists and geographers sought to understand the region’s climate, geology, and potential resources. Theories about magnetic phenomena, such as the location of the South Magnetic Pole, also drove exploration.

While direct scientific observations in the Antarctic remained limited during this period, the region’s mysteries intrigued scholars, laying the groundwork for more systematic studies in later decades.

Economic Activity

Economic motivations played a significant role in early 19th-century ventures into Antarctic waters. The sealing industry was particularly active, as the pelts of seals hunted in the southern ocean were highly valued in global markets. These expeditions frequently ventured into the Antarctic Circle, often reaching islands and waters that were among the closest accessible points to the continent itself.

Whaling also expanded into the southern seas during this period, with whalers pursuing valuable resources such as whale oil and blubber. These activities provided the first practical experience in navigating the harsh conditions of the Antarctic region, though they primarily focused on sub-Antarctic islands and waters.

Legacy of Early 19th-Century Exploration

The early 19th century marked the beginning of humanity’s direct engagement with the Antarctic. Although exploration was still in its infancy and largely confined to its periphery, this period set the stage for more ambitious expeditions later in the century. The knowledge gained during this time provided critical insights into the challenges of navigating and surviving in the Antarctic environment.

In summary, the Antarctic of the early 19th century remained a region of mystery and danger, but it was increasingly drawn into the sphere of human curiosity and endeavour. The tentative steps taken by explorers, whalers, and sealers during this time laid the foundation for future discoveries, advancing both scientific understanding and geographic exploration of this remote and enigmatic part of the world.

Kirkwood and Son: A Brief History

The Kirkwood family has a distinguished legacy in the fields of engraving, medal-making, and silversmithing, with their contributions spanning over two centuries.

James Kirkwood (1746–1827): The family’s engraving tradition began with James Kirkwood, born in 1746. He gained prominence in Edinburgh as a skilled engraver, notably producing metal plates for banknotes. His expertise was recognised by Sir William Forbes, head of an Edinburgh bank, who commissioned him for this specialised work. James’s proficiency established the Kirkwood name in the engraving industry.

Robert Kirkwood (1774–1818): James’s son, Robert, continued the family tradition, becoming a renowned engraver. He specialised in creating plates for banknotes, maps, and globes. His work was integral to various publications, including cartographic projects like John Thomson’s A New General Atlas (1817), where he engraved several maps.

John Kirkwood (d. 1853): Another of James’s sons, John Kirkwood, apprenticed under the esteemed engraver Charles Heath. In 1824, a fire originating in their Edinburgh workshop led to the Great Fire of Edinburgh, causing extensive damage. Following this event, James and John relocated to Dublin around 1826, establishing themselves as prominent engravers and copperplate printers. John became the foremost engraver in Dublin, producing book illustrations, portraits, and maps. He retired in 1845 and returned to Edinburgh, where he passed away in 1853.

Alexander Kirkwood & Son (Established 1826): In 1826, Robert’s son, Alexander Kirkwood (1804–1879), founded Alexander Kirkwood & Son in Edinburgh. The company specialised in medal-making, engraving, and silversmithing. Over the years, it became one of Scotland’s finest medallists, producing prestigious items such as the Great Seal of Scotland and the Livingstone Medal for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. The business has remained family-run, passing through generations, with David Kirkwood as the current proprietor and his daughter, Alison Atkinson, joining in 2021.

The Kirkwood family’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship has left a significant mark on the engraving and medal-making industries, with their works continuing to be celebrated for their quality and historical importance.

John Thomson & Co: A Brief History

John Thomson & Co. was a prominent Scottish publishing firm in the early 19th century, renowned for its contributions to the fields of cartography and geographic literature. Founded by John Thomson, an accomplished bookseller and cartographer born in 1777, the company quickly established itself as a leader in producing detailed, high-quality maps and atlases that reflected the growing demand for accurate geographic knowledge during the Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment periods.

The firm was initially based in Edinburgh, a city that served as a hub for intellectual and cultural activity at the time. Thomson’s early works included guides and travel books, which laid the groundwork for the company’s later, more ambitious cartographic projects. These early publications demonstrated his keen understanding of the importance of blending practical utility with scholarly insight.

One of the company’s landmark achievements was the publication of A New General Atlas in 1817. This atlas featured a comprehensive collection of maps that showcased the latest geographic knowledge, along with meticulous attention to detail in both content and design. It became widely respected for its accuracy and artistic quality, solidifying the firm’s reputation in the cartographic community.

Perhaps the most notable accomplishment of John Thomson & Co. was the Atlas of Scotland, published in 1832. This extensive work was groundbreaking in its scope, offering a detailed and nuanced representation of Scotland’s geography. The atlas was distinguished by its inclusion of hand-drawn maps and annotations that captured the physical and cultural landscape of the country. However, the production of such a monumental work came with significant financial challenges. The costs associated with engraving and publishing the Atlas of Scotland proved overwhelming, leading to the eventual bankruptcy of the firm. Despite this setback, the atlas remains a testament to the company’s ambition and dedication to cartographic excellence.

John Thomson & Co. was also known for its commitment to innovation and its ability to synthesise complex information into accessible formats. Its publications appealed not only to scholars and professionals but also to the educated public, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of making knowledge widely available.

Though the company’s operations were relatively short-lived, its impact on the world of cartography and publishing was profound. The works produced under its name continue to be valued for their historical and artistic significance, and they stand as enduring symbols of the rich tradition of Scottish cartography in the early 19th century. John Thomson’s legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, meticulous craftsmanship, and a dedication to advancing geographic understanding.

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