About Jonathan Wright

Jonathan Wright FRGS is a master globemaker celebrated for his bespoke creations and for his expertise in the conservation and restoration of historic and antique globes.

With over a decade of experience in this rare and endangered heritage craft, Jonathan’s journey began at the esteemed Bellerby & Co. Globemakers, where he led globe production for over nine years. As the founder of J. Wright Globemaker, he now specialises in crafting globes of exceptional artistry and precision, each tailored to reflect the personal stories and vision of his clients.

For centuries, globes have served as both tools of discovery and symbols of human curiosity. Jonathan’s creations embody this legacy while offering a contemporary approach to bespoke cartography. Each commission captures moments of personal significance while being designed and built to last as a treasured heirloom for generations.

Jonathan’s passion for his craft extends beyond the workshop. He has trained the next generation of globemakers and cartographers, sharing his knowledge and dedication to preserving this historic art form. Recognised for his expertise, he was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) Scholarship as the Garfield Weston Foundation Scholar, alongside support from The Headley Trust, to study the specialist conservation and restoration of globes.

His ongoing research explores the secretive materials and techniques of European globemakers from the 17th to 20th centuries. In particular, the varnish formulations employed by historical globemakers, building a reference database of globes from private collections and those held at the National Globe Collection at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

Jonathan holds a BEng (Hons) in Design & Innovation (First-Class), a GradDip in Conservation (Distinction), and an MA in Conservation (Distinction). He became a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 2016 in recognition of his contributions to globemaking.

Alongside his practice, Jonathan serves as a Trustee of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, a charity dedicated to transforming the careers of talented craftspeople by funding their education and training.