Early 19th century Celestial Globe
An early 19th century 18 inch celestial globe by Cary of London, based on the astronomical works of the Rev. F Wollaston FRS (Fellow of the Royal Society, March 1826), with hand coloured depictions of the constellations, raised on a mahogany base, with a turned column to downswept legs, united by stretchers containing a compass.
The celebrated Cary family of cartographers and globe makers was founded by John Cary (c. 1754-1835), a map engraver and seller. He and his brother, William Cary, a specialist in scientific instruments, produced some of the greatest late Georgian globes. The Cary family is considered the best of English globe makers of the late Georgian period. They used excellent quality paper and printing techniques so their globes often survive in nice condition. According to Collins and Lamb, "John Cary in partnership with his brother William were one of the foremost London map and globe sellers of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They built up a thriving and prosperous business, both as instrument makers and map publishers." The Cary firm was continued by sons George and John Cary in the Regency period. In the mid 19th Century, the plates were passed to G.F. Cruchley, a map seller who continued to produce globes under the Cary name.