[1] Thomas Dean founded the firm, probably in the late 1790s, bringing to it innovative lithographic printing processes.

By the time his son George became a partner in 1847,[2] the firm was the preeminent publisher of novelty children's books in London.

[5] Dean & Son were one of the first firms to introduce pop-up books for children—which they were able to publish in large numbers.

"Peep show" style consisted of cutting out sections of illustrated scenes, stacking and then folding flat.

These were released in the "Home Pantomime Toy Book" series that included sumptuously coloured and illustrated chromolithographs, and became popular editions, such as their printing of "Beauty and the Beast".