Hogarth Act

Great Britain [1735]

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The Hogarth Act, passed in Great Britain in 1735, was legislation championed by the artist William Hogarth. Its primary purpose was to protect artists' copyrights, preventing the pirating of their work. Hogarth sought this law to safeguard his livelihood, as unauthorized copies of his popular engravings were undermining his income. The act was crucial in establishing legal protections for artists and their creations, allowing them to benefit financially from their original works. This legislation was a significant step in recognizing and protecting intellectual property within the arts.

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William Hogarth
Reputation and success of William Hogarth
…that nature, known as the Hogarth Act, was passed in 1735. In the following year Hogarth moved into the house in Leicester Fields that he was to occupy until his death.
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…that nature, known as the Hogarth Act, was passed in 1735. In the following year Hogarth moved into the house in Leicester Fields that he was to occupy until his death.
Read More