ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the new wave of photolithographed picture books that found popularity during the mid-twentieth century. Bookwomen including Eleanor Graham and Grace Hogarth were keen to encourage and utilise new printing techniques in order to emulate the cheap but attractive books produced in other countries including France and Russia. The chapter focusses particularly on the work of Kathleen Hale, author and illustrator of a popular series of children’s picture books featuring Orlando the marmalade cat, published initially as Puffin Picture Books. The chapter investigates the way in which the autolithographic process used by Hale and her contemporaries allowed for the mass production of colourful books in a way that harnessed craftsmanship and modernity.
