About Us

Cardtoons Publications was established in 1985 by the company owners Robin Sadler and Colin Shelbourn, initially as a showcase for the cartooning work of Colin Shelbourn.

Since then the product ranges have grown and the photographic element in the products that are published has assumed equal importance. At the last count we have the photographic images of over 20 top class photographers in amongst our ranges including the work of David Ward, David Lyons, Steve Barber, David Tarn and Val Corbett.

The company has gone from strength to strength, growing organically each year. In 2005 we purchased a small postcard company from Claughton Images which enabled us to extend our activity into Northumberland.

Our company policy is to design and publish things that are different, whether it be the cartoon designs on postcards and maps or the high quality images used in the varying and different postcard formats, everything is unique.

These days we have hundreds of products if you count each individual postcard, and as we have done throughout our history we look to create new products every year.

Working on a bespoke basis for individual customers also features high on our activity list. Bespoke customers include:

  • Black Sheep Brewery
  • Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
  • Ullswater Steamers
  • Bolton Castle
  • Bolton Abbey
  • Muncaster Castle
  • Holker Hall
  • Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
  • Faeryland at Grasmere
  • Rheged Visitor Centre
  • Bluebird Café in Coniston
  • The Village Store & Moors Outdoor Centre at Goathland (Heartbeat Country)
  • Celtic Crafts on Holy Island
  • Trinkets, Treats & Treasure in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
  • Chocolat in Kirkby Lonsdale
  • Barnard Castle Post Office

More than just a photoguide!

This unique photoguide to the Lake District not only features stunning photography by Alex Black, it also contains scannable QR codes which enable access to additional online content.

This 36 page book is divided into 16 double-page sections, to cover the majority of the Lake District including two of the Lake District’s most famous inhabitants; William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Each section features fantastic photography showing the finest Lake District views, with captions to provide information.

Dive deeper with exclusive interactive content, accessible only by QR codes inside the book. This extra content features a full textual guide to all the areas featured in the Photoguide, as well as four extra areas. In the online content you’ll find links to further information, suggested walks, visitor attractions, historical articles and maps to help enhance your stay in the Lakes. Discover the history, geology, culture and geography of the Lake District. Find places of interest, the best views and visitor attractions. Follow links to further enhance your experience.

A great souvenir of your visit to the Lake District, this photo guide also makes an ideal gift for Lakes lovers! You could even use this guide to plan visits to the Lake District; find and see the views for yourself!

Buy your copy now →