…considering that his initials spell ‘MAP’ Mark Armstrong Peddigrew may have been destined to be a globetrotter.  A self-professed old-soul, Mark is a modern day renaissance man; educated in literature and psychology, trained in anatomy and fitness and in tune with design and esthetic. He was raised on the beautifully rugged island of Newfoundland – against the wind and ice, under the rain and fog, in a place that is equal parts isolated and vibrant. Perhaps it was growing up in St. John’s, the oldest city in North America, that provided the blueprint for Mark’s fascination with all things antiquated. Upon graduation from university, Mark set his sites on becoming a student of the world and moved to London. After 3 years, he moved to New York City, the place that always seemed like home. In the years since, he has failed miserably at becoming a realist, continues in the illusive search of self, loves the musings of Leonard Cohen, the tortures of Sinead O’Connor and living somewhat indulgently…

…since 2008, Mark has worked with Rufus Wainwright on the singer-songwriter’s past two world tours. In every city played and town traveled-thru, he made time to visit flea markets, antique fairs and estate sales, accumulating in a trove of handsome charms, rustic bits and odd sods from 5 continents, 30 countries and almost 100 cities. Eventually they started appearing on chains around his neck, a travelogue of sorts that documented some of the most amazing times in his life…

…each of his pieces is a vignette of art and history: at once melancholy and romantic, edgy and sexy, masculine yet sensitive – and like life, no two necklaces are the same, each standing as a unique testament to the lives they previously lived.  Inspired by the rugged sensibility of a weary, yet enthralled, traveler and the wisdom and yearning of roaming writers and musical troubadours, the pieces that make up cartography40n74w are esthetically nostalgic, but with a forward twist.  Each necklace is composed of a knife, an animal, a religious icon, a stone and a token related to travel. They have all made their own journey, gathering a history, which continues on as they cross paths with their new adventurist…