The collection of portrait miniatures at the Fitzwilliam Museum is one of the finest in any country. No other public collection except that in the Victoria and Albert Museum can equal its representation of the British School. It begins at the inception of the art in England (c. 1525), and continues through the next four centuries. All the greatest British miniaturists are represented as well as a number of leading continental artists. In this catalogue each miniature is described and illustrated actual size. Where known, the artist and sitter's name is given. There are references to any literature respecting each miniature, the exhibitions where it has been shown and the collections of which it has formed part. The artistic merit of the miniatures is discussed and comparable work considered. Reasons are given for attribution to particular artists and for identification of sitters. There is a brief biography of each artist and known sitter. A number of miniatures are reproduced in colour.