The Tatler, 1901-1965 - Key Data

From its establishment in 1901 until 1968, The Tatler was one of various publications owned by The Illustrated London News (ILN). The magazine (founded by literary critic Clement Shorter, a former editor of the ILN) catered primarily to an affluent and traditionalist audience. Appearing on a weekly basis, and enduring two World Wars, The Tatler (known as The Tatler and Bystander from 1940) kept its readership abreast of the latest developments in British High Society. Consisting of more than 250,000 images, and comprising over 3,000 issues from July 1901 to September 1965, this publication forms the largest collection in British Illustrated Periodicals, 1869–1970.

Focusing mainly on fashion, theatre, and sports (especially cricket and golf), The Tatler habitually regaled readers with news and gossip about Britain’s most prominent socialites, including aristocrats, athletes, and actors. Featuring articles on mainstays of American and European cinema, such as Anita Page and Marlene Dietrich; sports stars, such as tennis champion, Kathleen McKane Godfree; and key political figures, such as Winston Churchill, The Tatler usually reported on Britain’s most exclusive circles. At the same time, it printed regular contributions from celebrated theatre critics, such as James Agate, and illustrations by artists, such as Henry Mayo Bateman, one of the country's most acclaimed caricaturists. As a result, this collection yields valuable source material for researchers and students of British society during the early-to-mid twentieth century, and of Britain's wealthy and powerful elite.