PUNCH was a magazine conceived by Mark Lemon, Henry Mayhew and Douglas Jerrold in 1841. The periodical was announced as a ' new work of wit and whim ', but also offered moral judgements on the political and social scene of the time. It championed the poor and dispossessed as well as providing comment on government policy. As its popularity grew, a regular team of contributors were gathered. In the beginning a cartoon style was yet to be established, but throughout the years the standard of drawing reached great heights and cartoonists became well known in their own right.

These cartoons cover the period 1881-1911 which was the dawn of major changes in society. While the humour may not have travelled too well over time, the quality of the illustrations is exceptionally high. Their detailed content provides a comprehensive view of how the different groups in society lived, their view on life and the politics of the time.

To view any of the cartoons, click on a number in the list at the top of this page or in any category listed below and a new page will open containing a full size cartoon and a biography of the artist—some pages have additional information on the subject illustrated. On each page links to other cartoons by that artist on this site are also provided.

This is a personal site—please do not use these cartoons for commercial purposes.