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This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.

Satirical Prints

Satirical prints were Rowlandson’s main source of income. He produced both political and social satires and sometimes adapted the work of earlier artists such as William Hogarth. Satirical prints were available plain, or coloured with watercolours by specialists who painted prints for a living. Uncoloured prints were usually sold for 1 shilling while coloured prints cost 2 shillings.

Detail from 'Christie's Auction Room', taken from 'Microcosm'©

Such prints were placed by collectors in albums or portfolios, which were often passed around for entertainment after dinner. Prints could also be pasted to walls and screens. Cutting and pasting prints was considered a genteel pastime for ladies or gentlemen. Those who did not have the time or interest to do so themselves could buy furniture ready-decorated.

George, Prince of Wales (b. 1762), later Prince Regent (1811 – 20) and George IV (1820 – 30), was one of the most prolific collectors of satirical prints, acquiring thousands of examples. His collection was augmented in the reign of Queen Victoria (r. 1837 – 1901) when the Queen and Prince Albert made wide-ranging purchases of satirical prints for the Royal Library.

Scrap Screen made up from prints from by Rowlandson
Conservation: A screen decorated with a collage of satirical prints

In preparation for the exhibition, our conservation team worked on this screen created with scenes from Rowlandson's prints.


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.