Chris Adams

Lander & May Ltd.

Globe maker

©Andrew Montgomery - Courtesy of Hearst Magazines UK

©Steve Thearle

Upholding an endangered craft

Chris is one of the last remaining globemakers in the UK
He creates new globes and restores antique pieces
One of his globes is on permanent display at the V&A in London

Chris Adams grew up in South Devon, where he spent an untethered youth living close to the natural world. Curiosity and wanderlust led him to hitchhike alone across Europe, eventually landing in London, where he gained a degree in fine art. A self-confessed restless spirit, Chris spent some years across trades before moving to the Isle of Wight, where he encountered the opportunity to train as a globemaker. It was an epiphany: "This craft encompasses everything that I am interested in, and everything that I am good at. It is a traditional hands-on artisanal vocation requiring a good eye, practical dexterity and a spirit for adventure." Chris creates handmade globes of distinction for a wide breadth of clients: private collectors, institutions, cruise companies, museums and galleries.

Interview

©Andrew Montgomery - Courtesy of Hearst Magazines UK

©Steve Thearle

Why did you decide to settle down on the Isle of Wight?: My wife and I were longing to return to a coastal, rural community. Boats and ships are constantly passing through Cowes, as well as crews and sailors, so the atmosphere is one of passage and endeavour. Very inspiring for a globemaker!
Do you introduce innovations in your craft?: I take as much as I can from traditional methods: my globe spheres are made exactly as they were hundreds of years ago. But I use a large format printer to print out the maps, sometimes in black and white, so I can hand tint them myself with paints.
Where do you source your raw materials?: We only use British components for all our globes. Where possible, I like to use recycled wood from boat builders, or wood that has an interesting provenance, to add another layer of narrative to a piece. Authenticity is important to me.
What does well made mean to you?: I believe you have to have a sense of pride in what you are creating, and make it to the very best of your ability. I am upholding a craft spanning many centuries, so it is important to carry that baton with responsibility and respect.

Chris Adams is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2003 and he started teaching in 2020