Thomas Best Jervis and Philippe Vandermaelen’s Etablissement géographique de Bruxelles
Journal: Imago Mundi
Year: 2021

This article documents the production of a series of lithographed maps published during the Crimean War (1854–1856) and argues that they were fundamental in the British Government’s decision to create a Topographical and Statistical Department, and ultimately an Intelligence Branch, within its War Office. It explores the possibility that two innovating cartographers at the time, Thomas Best Jervis, the Department’s first director, and Philippe Vandermaelen of the Etablissement géographique de Br