Globe Maker Jonathan Wright
Globes are both decorative objects and tools for sharing scientific and cultural knowledge. We asked globe maker Jonathan Wright to tell us more about this interdisciplinary practice.
You started out with a degree in design engineering – how did that lead you to globe making? Do you still use any of the skills from your degree?
My degree combined creative design, engineering, and materials science, where I got to work on a broad range of projects – from building airships that explore jungle canopies to working with medical implant manufacturers to improve surgery outcomes. After graduating, I knew I wanted a career that combined creativity with technical precision, but I wasn’t sure where that would lead me. I felt like a “jack of all trades, master of none.” Then, I saw an advert for an apprentice globemaker, and I was instantly captivated. I didn’t know exactly what the job would involve, but that was part of the thrill—this was an ancient craft that blended everything I was passionate about. Today, my engineering background is essential in my work as a globemaker, ensuring my designs are not only beautiful but structurally sound. That foundation lets me approach challenges creatively and solve technical problems, enabling me to craft pieces that are truly built to last—a quality I take real pride in.
How do art, craft, and sciences come together in your work?
Globes were originally created as scientific tools for navigation, so precision has always been at the heart of their design. Today, globemaking still involves a fascinating blend of science, artistry, and craftsmanship. Each step has to be meticulously accurate to create a true representation of the world. My engineering and scientific background allows me to understand why some globes have survived for centuries while others have not. This knowledge guides me in crafting globes that combine the historical standards of durability with a modern sense of design. By conserving older globes and creating new ones, I keep alive a craft that blends history and science with art.
What is Cartography?
Cartography is both the art and science of mapmaking. A cartographer decides how to represent landscapes, political boundaries, and natural features—choosing what to include and, just as importantly, what to leave out. Maps offer a “snapshot” of the world at a specific moment in time, so every map reflects its own story.
You do a lot of work that is commissioned for clients, how do you combine the technical elements of globes and maps with something personal?
Accuracy is always the foundation—each globe captures the world as it is now, so I update my maps to reflect changes in borders, climate, and geography. But from there, each globe can be personalised in meaningful ways. For example, I might mark a tiny village where a client was born, add illustrations of animals they’ve seen on their travels, or incorporate custom colours that are significant to them. Sometimes I work with brands to create unique globes that show their vision of the future or even an imagined world. Every commission has a distinct story to tell, making each globe as unique as its owner.
How is conservation different from making something new? Why is it important to you to offer both services?
Conservation is all about preserving a globe’s original character and historical value. In conservation, I focus on stabilising the piece without altering the work of its original maker. My background in materials science and chemistry is essential for this, allowing me to work carefully without causing any damage. Offering both conservation and creation is important to me because it keeps the tradition of globemaking alive and connects me to the makers who came before. Every time I conserve a historic globe, I learn something from its craftsmanship and design choices. These insights continuously improve the way I approach creating new globes, ensuring that they, too, can endure for generations.
What is it like running your own business?
Running my own business is incredibly rewarding but challenging, too. I handle everything—from the technical aspects of globemaking to managing client relationships and overseeing the business side. It offers a lot of creative freedom and flexibility, but it also means every responsibility, from quality control to time management, falls on my shoulders. I get to shape each project my way, but I’m also the one who makes sure every detail is exactly right.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in a craft job in the future?
Find something that excites you and follow it, even if you’re not sure where it might lead. Be open to learning new skills and trying different things—you might find your path in an unexpected place. With craftwork, the process is just as important as the final product. Experiment as much as you can, because it’s through making things that you’ll really discover your strengths and interests. Craft is about curiosity and dedication; if you keep those alive, you’ll go far.
This interview was created as part of the Crafts in STEAM series for Making the Future — a campaign by QEST and Inspiring the Future (ran by Education and Employers). Read more about Making the Future here.
