Nowadays, many of us use GPS to navigate through our neighborhoods, countries, and even around the world. For the average person, Google Maps and smartphone apps have become so commonplace that it can be easy to forget what this technology means in the grand scheme of things. Certainly, traveling from point A to point B now begins with just a few clicks on your keyboard or a few taps on your smartphone. However, viewed from a much broader perspective, GPS represents just a new traceable step in the evolution of how we navigate our planet.

One step in particular that is often overlooked and forgotten is the history and art of making globes. Although globes are now primarily used as decorative objects rather than as educational tools, they represent the culmination of centuries of exploration, discoveries, conflicts, and trials and tribulations. Join us as we briefly delve into the history of globes, their transformation over time, and the increasingly rare practice of making them by hand.

Beginning – 16^th Century Globes

Although evidence for the exact origin of globes is scarce, it is known that globes became highly relevant from the 15^th and 16^th centuries. The oldest existing globe was designed in 1492 by a German geographer, just as Christopher Columbus began his journey westward. But contrary to what you might think, globes were initially not used for navigating the seas or for charting new discoveries. Instead, globes were given as gifts to powerful rulers, as they symbolized their control over their land.

17^th Century Globes

While the demand for globes increased in the 17^th century, their use largely remained the same. Small pocket globes and even larger globes, developed by the British, continued to serve as powerful decorative accessories and status symbols. Nevertheless, maps were updated, and new discoveries were recorded, allowing many globes to still serve a practical purpose.

18^th Century Globes

Only in the 18^th century did globes serve more widely for practical use, such as charting new discoveries and as educational tools for astronomers. As they moved further away from decorative appeal, globes became much more informative with many new discoveries, including the voyages of Captain James Cook (as depicted in our Antique Terrestrial MOVA Globe).

19^th Century Globes

This period saw the addition of a new market for globes that is iconic in today’s world: the classroom. Therefore, many globes were made in smaller sizes for easier portability and, of course, to meet the needs of children. By the end of the century, technological innovations began to change the way globes were produced.

20^th Century Globes

Technological innovations have influenced the production of globes in many ways. First and foremost, globes were mass-produced using various materials, from wood to plastic. Secondly, satellite images of the Earth’s landmasses confirmed the accuracy of earlier globes, putting them in a positive light.

21^st Century Globes

Flash forward to today, and globes now primarily serve as decor and historical artifacts and are made in various ways. With the advent of modern technology, most globes are now mass-produced, leading to a gap in the craftsmanship of globe-making. Bellerby & Co, based in London, is one of the few remaining handmade globe studios in the world. There, globes are made map strip (globe gore) one at a time, in a long but thoughtful process, preserving an art that is now nearly extinct. Here at MOVA International, our handmade globes combine advanced solar technology with vintage and modern globe designs to add an eco-friendly movement that truly brings globes into the 21^st century.

Our Cassini Terrestrial MOVA Globe features a map from 1792, modernized with our motion technology.

Whether for inspiration for the avid traveler or as a simple reminder of our historical discoveries, globes have undergone a significant transformation over the years. From educational tools for children to office decor: there is no doubt that these miniature versions of our planet encompass the entire history that makes our world a wonderful place to explore.

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