About the British Cartoon Prints

The approximately 9,000 cartoon prints (approximately 8,500 distinct images) in the British Cartoon Prints Collection at the Library of Congress were published primarily between 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.

Descriptions for all of the British Cartoon Print Collection are available online. A portion of the online records are accompanied by digital images--generally those for which reproductions have been requested.

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