Child labour in factories. 19th-century satirical artwork titled 'The Factory Ferocities'. Published in the 13 April 1833 issue of 'Figaro in London', the artwork shows ministers and a judge feeding children into the jaws of a demon representing trade and commercial interests. The accompanying article spoke out against the practice of using child labour in factories. Child labour was common at the start of the Industrial Revolution, but the passing of a succession of Acts of Parliament (starting in 1802, with one passed in 1833) limited the hours children could work. Artwork by Robert Seymour (1798-1836).