James Wyld

1812-1887

BiographyJames Wyld (1812-1887) and his father James Wyld (senior) (1790-1836) were successful London map publishers. Both, in turn, served as royal geographers. James Wyld's firm was in operation from about 1837 to 1893 at addresses at Charing Cross and West Strand, producing a general variety of table and floor globes. Wyld is known for his constructino of a Great Globe, 20 meters in diameter.

James Wyld (senior) took over William Faden's map-making business in 1823. The quality of his work was recognised and he eventually became Geographer to His Majesty (George IV and William IV) and HRH the Duke of York. Wyld senior was also a founding member of the Royal Geographical Society in 1830 and had worked in the Quarter Master General’s Office. He introduced lithography into map printing in 1812. The prolific Wyld senior apparently ‘died from overwork’ .

The Wyld map publishing house was continued by James (junior) who entered the family business around 1830. James republished some of his father’s maps and guided the company towards becoming agents for the Ordnance Survey.

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