They Drew as They Pleased

This visual history pulls back the curtain on the stylistic revolution at The Walt Disney Studios during the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing how a new wave of artists infused animation with mid-century modern and graphic sensibilities. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the contributions of key figures like Lee Blair, Mary Blair, Tom Oreb, John Dunn, and Walt Peregoy, packed with never-before-seen concept art and development work from classics such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty.

What sets this volume apart is its focus on the individual artistic voices that shaped Disney's golden age, moving beyond the studio's unified brand to celebrate the distinct personal styles of its most influential designers. Animation students, art historians, and Disney enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of insight into the creative process and the bold aesthetic experiments that defined an era, including the studio's pioneering steps into television and commercial work. This is an essential deep dive into the art and artists who gave post-war Disney its unforgettable visual flair.