About the British Cartoon Prints

The approximately ten thousand cartoons in the British Cartoon Collection at the Library of Congress date largely from the period 1780 to 1830, an era dominated by the prodigious talents and prolific efforts of such famous caricaturists as James Gillray and George Cruikshank. The cartoons highlight aspects of British political life, including tensions with its colonies and other nations, as well as society, fashion, manners, and theater.

Currently about five per cent of the British Cartoon Collection is available online. The cartoons represented online are primarily those that have been photographed and individually cataloged in response to requests from researchers. For access to the entire collection, see the Arrangement and Access section.

Information about obtaining copies is available through the "How to Order" link near the top of each catalog record.