Alexander Keith Johnston Paintings

Alexander Keith Johnston was a renowned Scottish geographer and cartographer, born on December 28, 1804, in Kirkhill, Scotland. He was not to be confused with his contemporary, the similarly named Alexander Keith Johnston, also a geographer, who was his nephew. Johnston's work played a significant role in the field of cartography during the 19th century, a period that saw a great expansion of geographical knowledge and interest due to exploration, colonization, and the advancement of scientific methodologies.

Johnston was apprenticed to James Kirwood, an engraver, and later went on to work with his brother, William, in a printing and engraving business. His passion for geography led him to collaborate with the well-known German geographer August Petermann in 1849. This collaboration was pivotal in Johnston's career as it culminated in the production of the 'Physical Atlas', one of the first atlases to present a comprehensive view of the geography of the Earth through thematic maps. The 'Physical Atlas' was published in 1848 and received acclaim for its detailed approach to subjects such as meteorology, oceanography, geology, and ethnography.

Throughout his career, Johnston worked on refining and expanding his cartographic works. His contributions included the development of maps for educational purposes and the creation of the 'Royal Atlas of Modern Geography', which was well received for its accuracy and detail. Johnston also served as the Geographer Royal for Scotland, a testament to his expertise and the respect he garnered in his field.

Johnston's work had a lasting influence on the cartographic industry and education. His maps and atlases were not only used for navigation and exploration but also served as valuable educational tools for those studying geography and related disciplines. He remained active in his work until his death on July 9, 1871. Johnston's legacy lived on through his son, who continued the family cartography business, and through the enduring use of his maps and atlases in the field of geography.