Free Vintage Collage Images from the Victorian Era for Junk Journals & Art Journals
Quick Summary:
Five free printables with Victorian-era collage images sourced from an 1870s book
Originally created from 19th-century magazine illustrations for collage hobbyists
Includes animals, cherubs, decorative objects, clocks, florals, and ornamental motifs
Ideal for junk journals, art journals, altered books, and mixed media projects
Public domain images, safe to print, cut, and creatively reuse
Free Vintage Collage Images from the Victorian Era for Junk Journals & Art Journals
If you love the layered, eclectic look of Victorian-era collage, this printable giveaway is for you. These free vintage collage images originate from a book printed in 1870, specifically designed for hobbyists to cut out and reuse in collage art. If you have been visiting my site for a while, you might remember the first post I created using materials from that source. In that post, I promised there would be more, and I am finally delivering on that promise.
Long before junk journaling and art journaling became modern creative movements, Victorian makers were already assembling whimsical pages from magazine engravings, decorative motifs, animals, cherubs, clocks, furniture, florals, and ornamental fragments. The pages in this giveaway preserve that spirit, offering a fascinating glimpse into how collage was practiced more than 150 years ago.
Whether you’re building a junk journal, working in an art journal, or experimenting with mixed media collage, these printable sheets will give you lots to work with.
A Look Inside the Victorian Collage Sheets
This printable set includes five full collage sheets, each featuring a curated assortment of antique engravings arranged in the style of 19th-century collage pages.
You’ll find a wide mix of imagery, including:
Domestic and exotic animals rendered in fine Victorian linework
Classical cherubs and allegorical figures
Decorative clocks, furniture, fans, and ornamental objects
Botanical elements and floral groupings
Framed vignettes and emblem-like motifs
Rather than focusing on a single theme, these sheets reflect the eclectic nature of Victorian collage, where visual contrast and playful juxtaposition were part of the charm.
To download the high-resolution sheets, just scroll down through this post and select either “Download JPG” or “Download PDF” below each preview image.
The History Behind These Vintage Collage Images
In the mid-to-late 1800s, collage was a popular pastime, especially among middle- and upper-class households. Illustrated magazines were widely circulated, and publishers recognized that readers loved reusing the images.
Some books, like the one these pages come from, were explicitly designed to be cut up. They compiled engravings from earlier magazines and arranged them on large sheets so hobbyists could clip, rearrange, and paste them into albums and scrapbooks.
These early collage books were the Victorian equivalent of modern printable ephemera: practical, creative, and meant to be transformed.
By using these printables, you’re continuing a long tradition of hands-on, experimental collage-making rooted in history.
How to Use Victorian Collage Images in Junk Journals
Victorian collage images work beautifully in junk journals because they naturally support layering and storytelling.
Here are a few creative ideas:
Cut individual motifs to create clustered focal points on journal pages
Layer images with tea-dyed paper, ledger pages, or handwritten notes
Create flip-outs or tuck spots featuring small cut-out elements
Pair decorative objects with vintage text for contrast
Because the imagery varies in scale and subject matter, these sheets are especially useful for intuitive, unscripted journaling.
Using These Printables in Art Journals & Mixed Media
Art journalers will appreciate how these Victorian collage images function as visual anchors within mixed media pages.
Try incorporating them with:
Acrylic paint or watercolor washes
Stamped backgrounds or stenciled textures
Handwritten reflections or poetry
Fabric scraps, lace, or tissue paper
The fine engraved lines reproduce well when printed, making them ideal for both subtle background elements and bold central imagery.
Printing & Paper Tips
To get the most from these vintage collage sheets:
Print on matte cardstock for easy cutting and durability
Print on lightweight paper for layering
Use slightly off-white or cream paper for an aged look
Resize elements digitally if you prefer smaller collage pieces
Lightly ink or distress edges for a softer, timeworn finish
These images are public domain, so you’re free to experiment without restrictions.
Why Victorian Collage Images Are So Versatile
One of the strengths of Victorian-era collage imagery is its timeless adaptability. The same motif can feel whimsical, mysterious, nostalgic, or surreal depending on how it’s used.
That versatility makes these printables especially useful if you enjoy:
Themed junk journals
Altered books
Visual storytelling
Collage-based memory keeping
You don’t need to follow a strict aesthetic. Victorian collage thrives on creative freedom.
More Free Printables You Might Like
If you enjoy these Victorian collage images, you may also like these free printable sets:
Free Madame B Album Collage Sheets – Images from an authentic Victorian photocollage album
Free Vintage Labels Printables – Decorative frames ideal for focal points
Free Victorian Collage Fodder – The first installment of images from the same source
Free Daguerreotype Portrait Printables – Atmospheric portraits that pair beautifully with Victorian imagery
Each of these collections works well alongside collage-style layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Victorian collage images public domain?
Yes. The original source material dates back to the 19th century, placing these images in the public domain.
Can I use these printables in junk journals I plan to sell?
You may use them in physical, handcrafted projects you sell. Please do not redistribute the digital files themselves or printouts of them "as-is."
What size are the collage sheets?
The printables are designed to print on standard letter-size paper, but they can be resized digitally if you’d like smaller elements.
Are these images authentic?
Yes. These pages come from an actual 19th-century book. They retain their original engraved character, including subtle imperfections that add to their antique charm.
What creative styles work best with Victorian collage images?
They pair beautifully with vintage, gothic, cottagecore, dark academia, and eclectic mixed-media styles.
Final Thoughts
Victorian collage reminds us that creative reuse isn’t a modern invention. It’s a tradition with deep historical roots. Long before digital tools and printable downloads, artists and hobbyists were cutting, rearranging, and repurposing printed images to tell visual stories of their own.
These vintage collage sheets offer more than decorative elements. They provide a tangible connection to 19th-century creative culture. Whether you’re layering them into a junk journal, anchoring a mixed media spread, or simply enjoying the process of working with antique imagery, each piece invites experimentation and personal interpretation.
I hope these printables inspire you to slow down, explore unexpected combinations, and continue the centuries-old practice of collage in your own creative way.
Love These Printables? Support The Art Scavenger!
I love sharing free vintage printables, and if you enjoy them, there are easy ways to support my work so I can continue creating and offering more free designs:
You may also enjoy these free collage sheets.
Terms of use:
Free to use for personal or commercial projects. You may print the collage sheets as many times as you wish for your personal crafts or in your projects to sell, including: art journals, scrapbooks, junk journals, collage art, etc. You may not redistribute or sell the collage sheets “as is" in either print or digital form.
If you wish to share the files on your own website, please do not make the files available for download directly from your site. Instead, include an image with a link back to this site.
To the best of my knowledge, these are all royalty free images that are in the Public Domain in the US. However, you should always do your own research if you plan to use them commercially.
