George Cruikshank's house, undated

The collection contains typescripts, page proofs, research material, correspondence, photographs and artwork relating to Robert Patten's comprehensive work on the life of George Cruikshank, entitled, George Cruikshank’s Life, Times, and Art.

The first series contains material relating to the writing and production of the book, including typescripts, proofs and correspondence with publishing house Rutgers University Press and others, administrative materials and artwork.

The second series contains card file research notes, listing works, correspondence notes (name of correspondents, subject of correspondence (ex. art related, business, personal), location of repository and dates, bibliographical information, subject files and source notes.

Series three includes research material, notes, photocopies of works and articles, catalogs, correspondence, photographic materials, and subject files. Research material, primarily notes and transcriptions of correspondence, from repositories such as Princeton University, Harvard, UCLA and others are included. Collectors Frank S. Bradburn and the artist, Ronald Searle are also represented. The series holds a collection of articles relating to Cruikshank and book illustration and a series of lectures by Robert Patten.

Series four includes prints, pamphlets and illustrations including etchings, engravings and woodcuts. Many are single leaves or a series of leaves from books illustrated by Cruikshank, others are bound or loosely bound books and pamphlets. Still others are proofs (some mounted) on India paper. Many of Cruikshank's works are represented, including illustrations for Oliver Twist and Sketches by Boz (Charles Dickens), W.H. Ainsworth's novels, the Comic Almanack and other illustrations and caricatures.

Series five includes manuscript materials by and about George Cruikshank. Several collectors are represented, including Frank S. Bradburn, Christopher C. Kohler, Ronald Searle, and a number of letters, documents and ephemera obtained through Sotheby's (David Borowitz collection).