Hertfordshire Maps

37x24 cm

HERTFORDSHIRE.
Engraved on Steel by I. Slater, Manchester.
Published by I. Slater, Fleet Street, London, & Fountain S.t Manchester.
James Pigot (1769-1843), born in Macclesfield, he married Mary Batttersrsby in 1791 at Manchester Cathedral. He traded as "James Pigot & Co." from about 1820 to 1835 with London Bookseller Charles Elkins and later with his apprentice, Isaac Slater (1803-1883). The partnership with Slater continued as "Pigot & Co." and then as "Pigot & Slater" from 1839-1843. He traded separately as Pigot and Son from 1828 to 1839 with his son, also James (1798-1857). He died in Chorlton, Manchester 15th February 1843, the business was continued by Isaac Slater until his death, also in Chorlton, on 3rd December 1883,when the business was taken over by Kelly's Directories.

Pigot produced the first National Directory and the maps that accompanied his directories represented a technological advance in printing, being engraved on a steel plate rather than copper. Steel plates were less subject to wear and the development of tools to enable the engraver to work on steel extended the useable life of the plate, thereby extending the print run, and allowed the engraver to cut finer lines and therefore show more detail. It is possible that Pigot included a finely engraved and detailed cartouche of a notable local landmark to demonstrate the use of this new technology. 
This series of maps were first issued in parts from 1826, beginning with the home counties, in directories shortly after and in Atlas form Pigot & Co,s British Atlas of the counties of England…from c.1830. Production continued under various titles by Pigot and his partner and successor, Slater until 1857.

Very good clean example in original hand colour from the 1846 edition published by Isaac Slater. Vignette of St Alban's Abbey.
Hodson ref. 87(viii)