15 September 2025
History scholars, students and enthusiasts alike can browse, search and read over 14,000 issues of four of Britain’s most influential illustrated newspapers, published between 1842 to 2003: The Illustrated London News (ILN), The Illustrated War News (IWN), The Graphic & The Sphere. Digital platform Exact Editions are offering IP-authenticated, multi-user subscriptions to these dynamic resources to libraries internationally. Offering a unique window into Victorian and Edwardian society, as well as documenting the defining events of the 20th century, the new digital editions are fully searchable and can be seamlessly accessed across web, iOS and Android devices through digital platform Exact Editions.
The four titles are intricately intertwined as historic competitors and collaborators in the realm of illustrated journalism. The ILN (1842 – 2003) was a revolution in journalism and defined visual reporting of the era through its vivid chronicling of the lives and times of royals, politicians and society at large. The IWN (1914–1918) originally published as a supplement to the ILN, was established during the First World War to provide focused, detailed visual coverage of the conflict. The Graphic (1869 – 1932) was first created as a direct rival to the ILN under the guidance of social reformer William Luson Thomas. Its issues captured authentic scenes across London, the wider UK and around the world, reflecting Britain’s attitude to empire and society. The Sphere (1900-1904) was subsequently created as a rival to both the ILN and The Graphic at the height of the Boer war, with extensive coverage of world events to aim the publication at British subjects overseas.
The Exact Editions platform presents the detailed illustrations, diagrams, advertisements and editorials of all four archives in high definition, capturing the distinct visual identity that set these titles apart. A powerful search function allows readers to instantly locate references to key historical events and figures, while every page includes advanced accessibility features such as a ‘Read Aloud’ option and a plain text version for enhanced readability.
Annual or Perpetual and Ongoing Access subscriptions are available for libraries in Exact Editions’ institutional shop:
Gary Thorpe from Consolidated Archives Holding Ltd (CAHL) commented: “Our collaboration with Exact Editions has breathed new life into these pioneering titles. It’s a unique opportunity for us to reach the platform’s engaged audience of librarians around the world. Subscribers to the archives will experience British history as it unfolded during a period of unprecedented social, political and technological change.”
Daryl Rayner, Managing Director of Exact Editions, has said: “These titles are so much more than newspapers; they are fascinating visual chronicles of over 160 years of history. The platform’s search function can be used to pinpoint references at the click of a button; something that would have taken weeks with physical archives. We are delighted to have transformed these important historical materials to such useable and discoverable resources.”