TheBeatrix PotterSociety

Beatrix Potter was a talented watercolourist, particularly of the natural world, from an early age and her paintings and drawings are now in collections, both private and public, all over the world.

Beatrix Potter is renowned for writing one of the most beloved children’s books of all time, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She went on to write and illustrate many more books in her lifetime, many of which are still sold worldwide in many languages.

Although Beatrix Potter had sold some of her artwork for greetings cards and illustrations in the early 1890s, she devoted most of her energy to the study of natural history – archaeology, geology, entomology and, especially, mycology as a scientist. Many scientific drawings are saved and can be viewed on appointment.

At a young age Beatrix Potter loved to draw flowers. No wonder she became a keen gardener and you can still view the famous garden of Hill Top today. It changes every season but you still can recognize the beehive Beatrix Potter drew for The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck and the famous green gate.

Beatrix Potter fell in love with The Lake District and farming. In 1905 she bought Hill Top, her first farm and after her death she bequeathed fifteen farms and over 4,000 acres to the National Trust – a gift which protected and conserved the unique Lake District countryside.

In 1882 Beatrix Potter and her family began taking their holidays in the Lake District. Country life appealed deeply to Potter and years later she made her home there and wanted to save this land for the future. Beatrix Potter was a genuine preservationist.

Beatrix Potter was far ahead of her time. As a woman in Victorian times it was not custom to do research at Kew Gardens as a scientist, publish your own books, earn money with selling cards or become a savvy business woman and buy land in The Lake District. This, and many more, was done by Beatrix Potter.

Beatrix Potter was more than the creator of Peter Rabbit. She left us a legacy which we still can see and enjoy. Her books, her art, her Herdwick sheep and her indomitable spirit are all part of her enormous legacy.

Beatrix Potter was born in Victorian London, but there are more related places to visit in the UK and even outside the UK. Beatrix Potter’s original drawings, studies and/or letters are to be found in museums all over the world. Some are on permanent display, others can only be seen by appointment. Please check the website before going. If you are interested in Beatrix Potter as a natural historian and artist, you may like to visit some of these locations.