Jonathan Wright is a master globemaker specialising in the creation of exquisite, bespoke globes and the conservation and restoration of historic and antique globes. He was appointed a QEST Alumni Trustee in 2023.
Jonathan worked at Bellerby & Co. Globemakers for 8 years, during which time he trained a new generation of makers and cartographers and led the development of new techniques and practices. He now runs his own business, J. Wright Globemaker, and his focus is on crafting globes with meticulous attention to detail, bringing to life unique artworks that are tailored to the individual preferences of clients.
His QEST Scholarship enabled him to undertake the Graduate Diploma Arts: Conservation of Books & Paper course at City & Guilds of London Art School. Here, he built on his globemaking practice and the new skills he learned enabled him to expand into globe conservation.
The globes Jonathan now produce focus on the representation of personal histories through bespoke cartography. This comes with a duty to ensure these heirloom objects stand the test of time, for which an understanding of the chemistry of deterioration and conservation techniques are vital. Due to the complex mix of materials, conservators from a range of different specialisms are usually required to undertake globe conservation and knowledge has often been sequestered. Approaching this discipline from the perspective of a globemaker will allow him to build upon research and presents the chance to make a meaningful contribution that can be passed on to future practitioners.
Image credits: Gareth Pon, Ana Santl and Kaori Oyama for Bellerby & Co. Globemakers
