Willdey’s map of France

By WILLDEY, George, 1710

A New and Exact Map of France Corrected from the Observations made By the Royal Academy of Sciences at Paris &c.

Europe France

Author: WILLDEY, George
Publication place: Amsterdam
Publication date: c.1710
Physical description: Engraved map on three sheets joined, contemporary hand-colour.
Dimensions: 616 by 1032mm. (24.25 by 40.75 inches).
Inventory reference: 11375

Notes

Large general map of France borderd with plans of the main harbours on either side.

The ports included are: Haver de Grave, St Malo, Brest, Port Louis, River Loyre, Rochell & Rochfort, Bordeaux, Bayonne, Marseilles, Toulon.

George Willdey (fl.1707–1737) had broad commercial interests; his shop was stocked with all manner of goods and commodities, many of which are listed and illustrated on this map, including snuff, clocks, globes, wallets, lanterns, a camera obscura , and many scientific instruments. However, the cartographic side of his business seems not to have been very successful, and few examples of his maps survive.

Biography

George Willdey (?1676–1737)

George Willdey was apprenticed in the Spectaclemakers’ Company to John Yarwell and Ralph Sterrop in 1695, and made free in 1702. After being freed, Willdey continued to work for Yarwell and Stirrop, but set up his own business in partnership with a fellow apprentice Timothy Brandreth in early 1707.

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