John Tallis (1817 -1876) was an English Cartographic publisher working in London.  Born in Stourbridge in Worcestershire, he probably started work in the publishing industry in Birmingham.  By the late 1830s he had moved to London and set up his first publishing business with his brother Frederick Tallis.  His first success was with ‘London Street Views’ published in 1838.  Between 1838 and 1851 he published under various names: L. Tallis, Tallis and Co, John Tallis, John Tallis and Co (London and New York).  After 1851 the maps were published by ‘The London Printing and Publishing Co. London and New York.

Tallis published his iconic ‘Illustrated Atlas of the World’ in various editions between 1849 and 53.  Published to coincide with the 1851Great Exhibition, the maps were lavishly illustrated and are considered works of art as well as fine maps.

John Rapkin (1815- 1876) was and English engineer, engraver and mapmaker.