Background
He was the son of John (Ian) Bartholomew (1890–1962), and Marie Antoinette Sarolea, daughter of Charles Sarolea. He was the great-great-grandson of the founder of John Bartholomew and Son Limited.
He was the son of John (Ian) Bartholomew (1890–1962), and Marie Antoinette Sarolea, daughter of Charles Sarolea. He was the great-great-grandson of the founder of John Bartholomew and Son Limited.
He studied at Edinburgh Academy and Gordonstoun before taking a degree in Geography at Edinburgh University.
He took over directorship of John Bartholomew & Company from his father in 1951. At this stage Peter Bartholomew (1924-1987) was Chairman and Robert Bartholomew (b1927) was Production Manager. Their most memorable production during their control was the Times Atlas (five volumes but also available in a "concise" version).
They also published the first metric versions of the large scale Ordnance Survey maps of the United Kingdom, aimed at hikers and travellers.
Bartholomew served as president of the British Cartographic Society in 1970-1971. He was also a vice-president of the International Cartographic Association, 1972-1980, and from 1987 to 1993, he was president of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
He was also active on the committee of the Scottish Rights of Way Society (now ScotWays), and was made its honorary president On his death he left monies for the erections of view indicators on the summits of both Berwick Law and the Braid Hills.
They had five sons: John Eric, Philip, Christopher, Patrick and Ivon.
