Cartoons by Sir John Tenniel, Selected from the Pages of Punch
Retrospective selection covering Tenniel's Punch cartoons from 1851 through his retirement in 1901.
Author guide
John Tenniel Books in Order
John Tenniel (1820–1914) was an English illustrator and political cartoonist who contributed to Punch from 1850 to 1901, becoming its principal cartoonist. He also illustrated numerous Victorian books, most famously Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, and was knighted in 1893.
political satiregraphic humorcartooninggraphic art
Catalog record updated .
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graphic-collection · completed
Cartoons from Punch
Chronological collections of John Tenniel's political cartoons published in Punch.
- 1 Cartoons from Punch: First Series
Book 1 · graphic-collection · 1864
- 2 Cartoons from Punch: Second Series
Book 2 · graphic-collection · 1870
- 3 Cartoons from Punch, 1871–1881
Book 3 · graphic-collection · 1895
- 4 Cartoons from Punch, 1882–1891
Book 4 · graphic-collection · 1895
Outside the series
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Other (2)
- Cartoons by Sir John Tenniel, Selected from the Pages of Punch
graphic-collection · 1901
Frequently asked questions about John Tenniel
Who was John Tenniel?
John Tenniel (1820–1914) was a British illustrator, draughtsman, and political cartoonist. He became especially well known for his work for Punch and his illustrations for Lewis Carroll’s Alice books.
Sources: britishmuseum.org (opens in a new tab)vam.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)
What is John Tenniel best known for?
Tenniel is best known for creating the illustrations for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, as well as for serving as a leading political cartoonist for Punch for about fifty years.
Sources: britishmuseum.org (opens in a new tab)vam.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)
What influenced John Tenniel’s illustrations for Alice?
Lewis Carroll’s text and sketches provided a starting point, but Tenniel also drew on fine art, natural history, heraldry, caricature, and his earlier work for Punch. Carroll chose him as the professional artist for the published book, and the two collaborated closely.
Sources: vam.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)english-heritage.org.uk (opens in a new tab)
Did John Tenniel receive any major honors?
Yes. He was knighted in 1893 for his services to the arts and was the first cartoonist to receive that honor.
Sources: vam.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)english-heritage.org.uk (opens in a new tab)
Why is John Tenniel still remembered today?
Tenniel’s Alice illustrations remain iconic, while his more than 2,000 Punch cartoons made a lasting contribution to political satire. His work also helped raise the standing of cartoonists, and museums continue to describe his influence on illustration and satire as enduring.
Sources: vam.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)npg.org.uk (opens in a new tab)