The Cartoon Museum

A Treasury of British Graphic Satire and Comic Art

The Cartoon Museum stands as a unique cultural institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of British cartoon, comic, and caricature art. Established in 2006 by the Cartoon Art Trust, the museum houses an extraordinary collection of over 6,000 original artworks, complemented by more than 8,000 books and comics spanning centuries of creative expression. The collection traces the evolution of graphic storytelling from the Georgian era through to contemporary works, capturing the wit, social commentary, and artistic innovation that have defined British visual culture.

From Political Satire to Popular Culture

The museum's permanent gallery showcases a carefully curated selection of cartoon prints, predominantly featuring Georgian and Victorian political satires that shaped public discourse and challenged authority through humor and artistic skill. Works by James Gillray, one of history's most influential political cartoonists, sit alongside pieces by Ronald Searle, whose distinctive style revolutionized comic illustration. The collection extends to beloved comic strip characters, graphic novels, and animation cels that have captured the imagination of generations. This breadth ensures that visitors encounter both historically significant works and culturally resonant pieces that reflect the evolution of British society through the lens of cartoon art.

Dynamic Exhibitions and Thematic Exploration

Beyond the permanent collection, The Cartoon Museum presents rotating exhibitions that change several times throughout the year, offering fresh perspectives on specific artists, genres, or thematic concepts. Recent exhibitions have explored subjects ranging from futuristic visions in comics to migrant narratives and the representation of animals in cartoon history. These curated displays provide context and depth, allowing visitors to understand not only the technical mastery of individual cartoonists but also the cultural, political, and social significance of their work. The museum's commitment to contemporary programming ensures that the space remains vibrant and relevant to modern audiences.

Intimate Scale and Accessible Design

Located in a converted Victorian building on Wells Street, the museum maintains a deliberately intimate scale that allows for a focused and unhurried exploration of its collections. Rather than overwhelming visitors with vast galleries, the compact layout encourages close examination of original artworks and encourages multiple visits. The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users, with all routes suitable for navigation throughout the building. Visitors descend a flight of stairs to reach the ticket desk and main gallery spaces, creating a sense of discovery as you enter this specialized cultural space.

Educational Mission and Community Engagement

The Cartoon Museum extends its mission beyond exhibition through a robust program of workshops, talks, and educational events designed for families, schools, colleges, and youth groups. These programs draw inspiration directly from the museum's collection, fostering creativity and critical thinking about visual storytelling and social commentary. The museum receives no funding from central or local government, making admission charges essential to its operations and ongoing conservation efforts. Despite this, the institution maintains an inclusive approach through free admission for under-18s, Art Fund members, and London Pass holders, ensuring that young people and frequent visitors can engage with the collection without financial barriers.

A Block from the British Museum, Yet Worlds Apart

Situated in the heart of London's cultural quarter, The Cartoon Museum occupies a distinctive niche just a short distance from the monumental British Museum. While its larger neighbor focuses on antiquities and world cultures, The Cartoon Museum celebrates the often-overlooked but culturally vital art form of cartooning and comics. The museum's royal patronage and serious curatorial approach underscore the legitimacy and importance of graphic satire and comic art as vehicles for social commentary, historical documentation, and artistic expression. This positioning makes The Cartoon Museum an essential counterpoint to London's more traditional cultural institutions.