Meet Kevin Brown | Dealer in Rare and Antique Maps

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
It was taking the leap to hire and trust staff. When you start a business and have been running it for years, you can easily develop the mindset that you are the only one who can do things right. This was definitely the case for me. As we deal in high value one-of-a-kind items, every detail is critical, from how the item is described, to how it is packed, shipped, and presented – with serious financial and credibility repercussions for even minor mistakes. It took a while for me to accept that I needed staff, and even longer for me to trust that I could find staff capable of doing the work needed. In the end, it was a leap of faith, one that allowed my company to grow significantly from one-man operation to major force in the admittedly small world of rare maps.

What should our readers know about your business?
Geographicus Rare Antique Maps was founded in New York by Kevin James Brown in 1999. We are specialist antiquarians dealing in historic maps from all over the world and in all price ranges. Kevin approaches the study of early cartography from a hands-on perspective, supplementing historical knowledge and the study of primary source material with visceral experience. To better understand the lives of early travelers and mapmakers in the Amazon, for example, he spent a month with indigenous guides bushwhacking the primary rainforests of the Guyana Shield. Or, to better understand the experience of early merchants in Europe, he trekked the ancient Roman road system through France and Spain, eschewing all modern comforts and transport. He has also studied bookbinding, engraving, printing, and drafting techniques. While Kevin understands that these adventures and studies will not turn him into a jungle survivalist, a medieval merchant, or master etcher, he believes that a visceral experience of the challenges faced by early surveyors, mapmakers, and travelers contributes perspective to his work with historic maps.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
New York has a lot to offer the first-time visitor. I would probably let them do the tourist things themselves and plan to meet up in the evenings to introduce New York’s, and particularly Brooklyn’s, amazing culinary scene. While there are a lot of famous restaurants in New York, my focus would be on places they would not find on their own. Perhaps I would take them to Flushing for delicious Chinese Hot Pot at the Dolar Shop, or to off the beaten track steakhouses in Brooklyn like St. Anselm, the best pizza at Saraghina, or my favorite Pho place, Lucy’s. A cocktail at the Dead Rabbit, or a Beer at McSorley’s. In addition, I would look for special events that we might be able to accommodate, such as free concerts in Central Park, bike tours, and public dinners like Diner en Blanc.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yuan Ji of Erstwhile Mezcal, who inspires me with her fierce fearlessness every day.

Website: www.geographicus.com

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