Illustrations

Historic Illustrations of the Isle of Wight

We hold thousands of pictures showing Island life in the 1800s and 1900s. These include drawings, paintings, postcards, and aerial photos. You can view them in our searchroom and request copies.

Illustrations by location

We have catalogues for many towns and villages, including:

Arreton
Bonchurch
Brading
Brighstone
Brooke
Calbourne
Carisbrooke
Chale (Including Blackgang)
Cowes
East Cowes
Gatcombe
Godshill
Gurnard
Mottistone
Niton
Newport (in part), Download Newport illustrations list (PDF, 42KB) available in the collection
St Lawrence
Sandown
Shalfleet
Shanklin
Shorwell
Totland
Ventnor (including Steephill)
Whitwell
Wootton
Wroxall.

Uncatalogued illustrations

The following uncatalogued illustrations areas are available to view on request:

Alverstone
Ashey
Bembridge
Binstead
Carisbrooke
Freshwater
Lake
Luccombe
Newchurch
Newtown
Northwood
Sandown
Ryde
St Helens
Totland

Aerial Photographs

We also have two series of aerial photographs dating from 1956 and 1970 respectively. Catalogues for these photographs are available in the searchroom.

Postcards

We have a large postcard collection.

Download our postcard collection list (PDF, 22KB, 2 pages).

These Illustrations and postcards are available to view in our search room. Consult the Illustrations catalogues and then you may order the image. We are able to provide photocopies or scans of most of the illustrations subject to the condition of the item and any copyright restrictions. Access our Research and copy services charges information.

View samples from our collection:

How to View or Order

visit the Record Office to view catalogues and images.
ask for a photocopy or scan (subject to condition and copyright).
contact us if you’re looking for a specific place or photo.
view research and copy services charges