The Director's Office

It was from the Director's Office that some of Bartholomew's most important decisions were taken.

The Director's Office was central to the firm because the firm relied on the vision and leadership of its directors. This is perhaps most true of John George Bartholomew, fourth in the family line, who was the driving force behind the firm's success at this time. He had a hands-on approach to management, even helping to design Duncan Street itself.

More about the directors

  • Thumbnail: John George Bartholomew
  • Thumbnail: John (Ian) Bartholomew
  • Thumbnail: Photo of family members in the Board Room
  • Thumbnail: Photo of a room with tables and a fireplace
John George Bartholomew

John George Bartholomew

John George Bartholomew (1860-1920) was one of the most important figures in map-making at the turn of the 20th century. He believed that good maps and improved geographical teaching could benefit Scottish society in many different ways.

He pushed the boundaries of what a map could be, and overcame his numerous difficulties to leave behind an enduring legacy.

More about John George Bartholomew

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John (Ian) Bartholomew

John (Ian) Bartholomew

John (Ian) Bartholomew (1890-1962) helped to develop the business in a world that was shaken by two world wars.

It was an environment that created a number of difficult challenges but John (Ian) was able to guide Bartholomew through this, while adding to the firm's reputation.

More about John (Ian) Bartholomew

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Photo of family members in the Board Room

The final generation

The final members of the Bartholomew family to manage the firm were John Christopher (1923-2008), Peter (1924-1987) and Robert (born 1927). By the time they took over, the management team included non-members of the Bartholomew family too.

Each had a distinctive role within the firm, but all had to contend with perhaps some of the most radical changes map-making has ever seen.

More about the final generation

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Photo of family members in the Board Room

The office at Brown Square

There are few photographs of any of Bartholomew's offices, but this one — of John Bartholomew Junior’s office in the Brown Square premises — gives us an idea of how they might have looked.

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