John Purdy (August 14, 1773- January 29, 1843) was a British cartographer and hydrographer active London during the early part of the 19th century. Purdy was born in Norwich, the son of a tailor, and apprenticed to David Steel of the Stationers Guild on December 1 of 1795. After his apprenticeship Purdy partnered with Henry Cooper to establisher an independent map and chart selling business. This business failed to turn a profit and was dissolved with bankruptcy hearings in November of 1811. From about 1812 onwards Purdy took over Delarochette's hydrographer position for the firm of Laurie and Whittle. The remainder of his work is associated with this firm. Like most map publishers Purdy did not personally take part in expeditions, but he exhibits a great talent for synthesizing the work of others. Among his more important accomplishments are the great Cabotia map of Canada, the identification of Rennell's Current, and the publication of Rennell's wind charts. He was considered the foremost British hydrographer of his era. Purdy died of gangrene on January 29 of 1843. More by this mapmaker...

Laurie and Whittle (fl. 1794 - 1858) were London, England, based map and atlas publishers active in the late 18th and early 19th century. Generally considered to be the successors to the Robert Sayer firm, Laurie and Whittle was founded by Robert Laurie (c. 1755 - 1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818). Robert Laurie was a skilled mezzotint engraver and is known to have worked with Robert Sayer on numerous projects. James Whittle was a well-known London socialite and print seller whose Fleet Street shop was a popular haunt for intellectual luminaries. The partnership began taking over the general management of Sayer's firm around 1787; however, they did not alter the Sayer imprint until after Sayer's death in 1794. Apparently Laurie did most of the work in managing the firm and hence his name appeared first in the "Laurie and Whittle" imprint. Together Laurie and Whittle published numerous maps and atlases, often bringing in other important cartographers of the day, including Kitchin, Faden, Jefferys and others to update and modify their existing Sayer plates. Robert Laurie retired in 1812, leaving the day to day management of the firm to his son, Richard Holmes Laurie (1777 - 1858). Under R. H. Laurie and James Whittle, the firm renamed itself "Whittle and Laurie". Whittle himself died six years later in 1818, and thereafter the firm continued under the imprint of "R. H. Laurie". After R. H. Laurie's death the publishing house and its printing stock came under control of Alexander George Findlay, who had long been associated with Laurie and Whittle. Since, Laurie and Whittle has passed through numerous permeations, with part of the firm still extant as an English publisher of maritime or nautical charts, 'Imray, Laurie, Norie and Wilson Ltd.' The firm remains the oldest surviving chart publisher in Europe. Learn More...