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source: wikipedia.org
28 Jul, 1866
22 Dec, 1943
Pneumonia and heart disease
British
Illustrator
77
Beatrix Potter, the renowned children’s book author and illustrator, captivated her readers with her beloved characters such as Peter Rabbit and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle. Born in London in 1866, Potter grew up in a middle-class family with a passion for art. Her upbringing, fascination with animals, and creative flair would lead her to a career as a celebrated author and illustrator.
Her parents, Helen and Rupert Potter, belonged to families that were tied to the industrialized north of England. Rupert Potter was a qualified barrister who chose to follow his passion for art and photography instead of practicing law, and he influenced Beatrix to develop her artistic talent from a young age.
Beatrix’s middle-class upbringing provided her with the resources and opportunities needed to explore her creative side. She was exposed to the world of art from an early age, thereby fueling her artistic ambitions. Beatrix honed her artistic skills during her childhood by spending countless hours sketching and painting. She got her first taste of success in 1890 when she sold rabbit illustrations as Christmas card designs to Hildesheimer & Faulkner.
Beatrix’s passion for animals and storytelling was evident in the tale of Peter Rabbit. Inspired by her close relationship with her former governess’ children, she began writing amusing picture letters for them, featuring her many pets. Out of these tales, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” became the foundation for her first published book.
After being rejected by several commercial publishers, Beatrix took matters into her own hands and privately printed 250 copies of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” in 1902. The success caught the attention of Frederick Warne & Co, who agreed to publish an initial quantity of 8,000 copies.
In 1905, Beatrix Potter purchased Hill Top Farm, a charming 17th-century farmhouse located in Near Sawrey village in the Lake District. This picturesque setting would serve as the inspiration for many of her subsequent books. Beatrix’s love for the countryside and her fascination with nature found a home in Hill Top Farm.
During this time, Beatrix experienced a personal tragedy when her beloved publisher and close friend, Norman Warne, passed away shortly after proposing to her. Devastated by his loss, she threw herself into the running of Hill Top Farm and continued to work on her “little books.” “The Tale of Tom Kitten” and “The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck” were among the stories set in and around Hill Top.
Beatrix Potter’s connection with the Lake District extended beyond its landscapes. She immersed herself in the farming community and learned from the best shepherd. She developed a passion for raising Herdwick sheep. Through her meticulous care and breeding practices, her Herdwick sheep became renowned for their quality and contributed to the preservation of this traditional breed.
Beatrix Potter passed away in 1943. In her will, Beatrix left 4,000 acres of land and 14 farms in the Lake District to the National Trust. This generous act ensured the long-term preservation of the region’s countryside and farming traditions.
Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter
Female
Pneumonia and heart disease
West Brompton, London, England
Near Sawrey, Cumbria, England
Mediator: Beatrix Potter was a creative person who was had a free spirit. She was also an independent person.
Beatrix Potter’s first name was actually Helen
One of her lost work “The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots” was published in 2016.
She had a journal where she noted down her private thoughts in secret code.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit was inspired by a letter she wrote to Noel. She later asked to borrow it back and then adapted into the famous tale.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit was turned down by several commercial publishers.
A major exhibition titled Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature was held at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2022, showcasing her artistic contributions.
In 1903, she created the first licensed soft toy of Peter Rabbit, making him the oldest licensed fictional character.
In 2016, a British fifty pence coin featuring Peter Rabbit was issued to commemorate her legacy. An asteroid, 13975 Beatrixpotter, was named in her honor in December 2017.
Potter’s books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide.
She was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh in 1934 for her contributions to literature and conservation.
She was recognized as a talented mycologist, producing over 350 detailed illustrations of fungi.
She wrote and illustrated over 60 books, with 23 being her most famous children’s tales.