Peter Perez Burdett Paintings

Peter Perez Burdett was an English cartographer, surveyor, and draughtsman known primarily for his work in the Midlands of England and for his association with the Lunar Society, a group of Enlightenment thinkers. Although not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Burdett made significant contributions to the cartography of his time and was an innovator in the field.

Burdett was born around 1734 or 1735. Details of his early life are somewhat obscure, but it is known that he developed an interest in cartography and drawing at a young age. He came to prominence with his work in surveying and mapping the county of Derbyshire. His map of Derbyshire, completed in 1767, was a groundbreaking piece of cartographic work for its accuracy and attention to detail. It took him several years to complete and demonstrated his skill and dedication to the advancement of cartography.

In addition to his work in Derbyshire, Burdett was also involved in surveying for the construction of canals, which were an essential part of Britain's infrastructure during the Industrial Revolution. His skills as a surveyor contributed to the development of this crucial transportation network. Burdett's talents were not limited to cartography and surveying; he was also an accomplished artist and his drawings and watercolors offer valuable insights into the landscapes and urban environments of 18th-century England.

Burdett's association with the Lunar Society connected him with some of the leading figures of the time, including prominent industrialists, scientists, and intellectuals like Matthew Boulton, Erasmus Darwin, and Josiah Wedgwood. The Lunar Society members were at the forefront of scientific and technological advances during the period, and Burdett's involvement with this group placed him at the center of the Enlightenment in Britain.

Despite his contributions to cartography and his involvement with the Lunar Society, Burdett struggled financially later in life and eventually left England for Germany. He settled in Karlsruhe, where he served as a court cartographer. Burdett died in poverty in Karlsruhe in 1793. While not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, his work has been appreciated by historians and collectors for its quality and historical importance.