John Bartholomew

Who was John Bartholomew?

John Bartholomew CBE, generally known as Ian Bartholomew was a Scottish cartographer and geographer.

Bartholomew studied cartography in Leipzig, Paris and at the University of Edinburgh and took over the family business John Bartholomew and Son Ltd. on the death of his father John George Bartholomew. He inherited the task from his father of completing the Times Survey Atlas of the World, which was expanded into the Times Mid-Century Edition. He introduced new cartographic techniques, modern printing and expanded the company significantly.

He was awarded the Military Cross after serving with the Gordon Highlanders and General Staff during the 1914—18 War.

He served as Honorary Secretary and President of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and was awarded the Founder's Medal of the Royal Geographical Society of London. In 1960 he was appointed C.B.E.

He entrusted the management of the company to his three sons, Peter, John and Robert.