Detail from design for a poster published in the magazine Child Education in 1947
Early Work
Between 1932 and 1939 Hilary studied at the Westminster and Central Schools of Art in London
Children’s Stories
During the 1940s Hilary wrote and illustrated five story books for children that were published by Bantam and Transatlantic Arts
The Animal Books
Hilary’s book Extinct Animals was published by Puffin in 1946. Living Animals was published in 1954 by Cassell’s.
Unpublished Books
Hilary came up with many ideas for books, writing sample text and creating illustrations to try and interest publishers. Not all of these attempts met with success, and the family archive contains texts and illustrations relating to a number of books that were never published.
Illustration
As well as writing and illustrating books, Hilary turned her hand to designing greeting cards, magazines illustration and book covers.
Lino Prints
In later life Hilary’s principal creative work involved making lino prints.
Drawing
From an early age Hilary loved to draw; she always had a sketchbook and a pen or pencil to hand.
