Beatrix Potter - A Woman Who Created

Hello Blog Buddies!

I have decided to write another blog post that celebrates a truly amazing woman.

2016 marks 150 years since the birth of one of the most beloved children's illustrator and writer- 

Beatrix Potter. Known for her delightful 'little collection' of books, many do not realise that Ms Potter was also a natural scientist and conservationist.

(Source: beatrixpotterofficial.com)

Beatrix Potter was born Helen Beatrix Potter on July 28th, 1866. Her younger brother, Walter Bertram and Beatrix loved to sketch, draw and paint. They spent many hours of their early 

childhood creating pictures of their numerous pets which included, amongst other 

things, mice, frogs, lizards and snakes.

(Source: peterrabbit.com)

Born into a privileged household, Beatrix Potter never attended school and was instead, educated at her parents home by a number of governesses and art teachers. One summer vacation, the Potter family travelled to Lake Windermere located in England's picturesque Lake District. It is believed that during this visit, Ms Potter developed her lifelong love of the stunning countryside and idyllic natural surroundings.

By 1896, Beatrix Potter was producing beautiful watercolour paintings as well as becoming an adept scientific illustrator, specialising in botanical drawings of fungi. Long before she became an author, Ms Potter drew illustrations for a variety of books including 'Alice in Wonderland'.

In September, 1893 a 26 year old Ms Potter sent a letter to a former governess' son, Noel. 

The letter contained a tale of four rabbits which included Peter Rabbit.

(Source: peterrabbit.com)

It was not until 1901, however, that Beatrix decided to develop the idea. The resulting publication, 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit' was released in 1902 by Fredrick Warne and Co and has gone on to become one of the most popular children's books of all time.

 

(Source: peterrabbit.com)

Ms Potter went on to write over 30 books, the most popular being her 24 children's stories. With the proceeds from her 'little books' as well as a legacy from an Aunt, Ms Potter bought the now famous 'Hilltop Farm' in Near Sawrey in the Lake District. 

(Source: allaboutanthropomorphism.weebly.com)

Over the following decades, Beatrix continued to purchase, and manage additional farms in the area. She also became a prize-winning breeder of Hardwick sheep. Her dedication to land preservation allowed her to leave over 4,000 acres of land to the National Trust upon her death. Much of this land now constitutes the Lake District National Park.

(Source: beatrixpottersociety.org.uk)

Ms. Potter died on December 22nd, 1943 at her home of pneumonia and heart disease. Her beautifully illustrated books continue to sell, and delight, throughout the world in many languages.

Which is your favourite Beatrix Potter story?