Robert Sayer (ca. 1724-1794) was one of the most successful print and map makers of the 17th century. Robert took over the business following the death of his brother Philip, who had in tern gained the business via marriage to the widow Mary Overton. Robert's business acumen was strong and he set about building the company, first by acquiring the plate stock of John Sennex, Henry Overton and John Rocque. To help with costs, he worked in partnership with Thomas and John Bowles, and William Herbert.
Robert's most successful business deal was with the struggling business of Thomas Jefferys, which put him in procession of a large number of copper plates relating to the north American continent. The outbreak of the American revolution created a demand for maps of North America which Robert Sayer responded to with four new publications devoted entirely to the American colonies.
Following the independence of the United States the company began publishing charts. This coincided with the revolutionary war in France and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The navigational charts quickly became in demand as H M Navy sought to control the seas.
Robert died in 1794 selling the business in house to two of his employers, Robert Laurie and James Whittle,
