Lot Essay
An engraved advertising sheet entitled Pattern of Frames for Bardin's new British Globes, 18 in. Diamr. Prices of the Pair, was issued by the famous English firm of William Bardin and Son at the beginning of 1798, and includes a design for a globe and 'Mahogany' frame very similar to the present lot, priced at '13 Guineas' (illustrated in 'The World in Your Hands', Exhibition Catalogue, London, Christie's, 1994, no. 3.4). William Bardin first started globe publishing in the 1780's and 1790's, publishing a number of globes with Gabriel Wright (1740-83). Wright had previously worked for Benjamin Martin and Son, and began collaborating with Bardin around 1780. After Wright's death, William's son Thomas came into the business. Several globes were made by the Bardins for Harrison and Co. (see lot 221).