A Victorian mahogany 30in. terrestrial globe by W. & A. K. Johnston Ltd. second half of the nineteenth century

the globe inscribed 'BY/ W.&A.K. JOHNSTON, LIMITED./Geographers, Engravers and Printers/ EDINBURGH & LONDON' on a laurel carved mahogany base

A monumental piece in good conserved condition. The globe with minor marks and some areas of repaired tears now secure. The base with a visible construction join in the leaf carved decoration. With old marks, scuffs and scratches throughout consistent with age and use. This piece is ready to place.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The brothers William Johnston (1802-1888) and Andrew Keith (1804-1871) founded and published globes in Edinburgh from the mid 19th century. The pair had previously been apprenticed to the leading Scottish globe-maker, James Kirkwood, until a fire destroyed his workshops in 1824. The brothers quickly usurped the position of Kirkwood & Son as the foremost globe-makers in Scotland. Their first globe, published in 1828, was a 4 1/2-inch diameter terrestrial sphere, engraved for Donaldson, another former collaborator with Kirkwood, but in time, following their introduction of the first 12" geo-physical globe onto the market, the Johnstons were the leaders of the field throughout Great Britain in the second half of the nineteenth century. No doubt as a result of this they were offered a Royal Appointment by Queen Victoria. Present lot is the largest example the Johnston firm produced. Their imposing and exceptionally large 30-inch terrestrial globe, the first of that size to be produced in England, was exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park London, where it received numerous medals.