William Darton, Sr. (1755 - 1819) was a British printer, engraver, and publisher based in London who specialized in the publication of children's books. Establishing himself as a printer and engraver in 1787, Darton entered into a partnership with Joseph Harvey in 1791, after which they published as 'Darton and Harvey.' As both men were Quakers, they initially tended to focus on publishing works by fellow Quakers, but later developed a specialty in children's literature. The firm's name changed several times as sons of both men joined as partners and the founding members died off. Darton's descendants continued to work in the publishing industry, with his son William, Jr., establishing his own shop in 1804.