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Beatrix Potter Biography
Beatrix Potter’s Life
A little girl in Victorian England, Beatrix Potter was taught at home by governesses and studied art while her brother was sent away to school. She was a shy, reserved personality when interacting with the outside world, but her secret diary written in her own code, revealed a lively young girl with highly critical opinions of her fellow artists.
Beatrix Potter’s Art
Despite not going to school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature, teaching herself while painting and drawing the things she saw around her. Her childhood sketches reveal an early fascination for the subject which would continue throughout her life. She also painted many exquisite landscapes that show her pleasure in the countryside. Click here for more information on Beatrix Potter's Art.
Beatrix and her brother, Bertram, kept many animals in their schoolroom, from mice to birds and lizards to snakes. Beatrix Potter's pets were often subjects for sketches and paintings, and were later to inspire the much-loved characters in her books.
In 1893 Beatrix Potter wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit in a picture letter to a little boy she knew who had been ill for a long time. In 1901 she went on to privately print 250 copies of the tale in time for Christmas. A sign of the future success of this little story, these first copies sold very quickly at a shilling each, meaning she quickly had to print another 200 two weeks later.
The Tale of Tom Kitten First she scrubbed their faces (this 1 is Moppet). Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Paperback. Condition : Used. No marks or tears Dimensions : 10.5cm x 14cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 Jul 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with additional youngsters. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was transmitted because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her several dogs. She had frogs newts ferrets plus even a pet bat. She additionally had 2 rabbits — the initially was Benjamin who she described because "an impudent cheeky small thing" whilst the 2nd was Peter who she took everywhere along with her about a small lead even found on the casual outing. Potter watched the animals for hours about end sketching them plus developing her abilities because an artist. Beatrix Potter's dad was Rupert William Potter (1832–1914) son of Edmund Potter. Rupert trained because a barrister nevertheless click
Cecily Parsley's Nursery Rhymes We have a small garden A garden of the own And daily you water there The seeds which you have sown. Author : Beatrix Potter ISBN : 978 0 72326 016 5 Format : Hardcover Condition : New Dimensions : 16xm x 20xm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art when her brother was delivered away with school. She had been a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside globe however her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training herself when painting plus attracting the points she saw about her. Her childhood sketches show an early fascination for the topic that might continue throughout her lifetime. She moreover painted various beautiful landscapes which show her fun inside the countryside. Click here to acquire more information about Beatrix Potter's Art. Beatrix plus her brother Bertram kept numerous animals inside their sc details
The Tale of Two Bad Mice Tom Thumb plus Hunca Munca went upstairs and peeped into the dining-room. Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Paperback. Condition : Used. No marks or tears Dimensions : 10.5cm x 14cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 July 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with alternative youngsters. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was transmitted because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her several dogs. She had frogs newts ferrets plus even a pet bat. She additionally had 2 rabbits — the initially was Benjamin who she described because "an impudent cheeky small thing" when the 2nd was Peter who she took everywhere along with her about a small lead even found on the casual outing. Potter watched the animals for hours about end sketching them plus developing her abilities because an artist. Beatrix Potter's dad was Rupert William Potter (1832–1914) son of Edmund Potter. Rupert trained because a barrister however invested his da click here
The Tale of Pigling Bland - Beatrix Potter Over the mountains plus far away she danced with Pigling Bland! Condition: New Hardcover Author: Beatrix Potter Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 978 0 72326 009 7 About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter’s Life A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art when her brother was transferred away with school. She became a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside globe however her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training herself whilst painting plus attracting the details she saw about her. Her childhood sketches present an early fascination for the topic that might continue throughout her lifetime. She equally painted various beautiful landscapes which show her fun inside the countryside. Click here to find out more about Beatrix Potter's Art. Beatrix plus her brother Bertram kept countless animals inside their schoolro more details.....
The Tale of Mr Tod Now for a change I am going o create a story regarding two disagreeable folks called Tommy Brock plus Mr. Tod. Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Hardcover. Condition : Used. No marks or tears Dimensions : 10.5cm x 14cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 July 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with alternative kids. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was delivered because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her several dogs. She had frogs newts ferrets plus even a pet bat. She equally had 2 rabbits — the initially was Benjamin who she described because "an impudent cheeky small thing" when the 2nd was Peter who she took everywhere along with her about a small lead even found on click here.....
The Tale of The Flopsy Bunnies It is mentioned which the impact of eating too much lettuce is "soporific". Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Paperback. Condition : Used. No marks or tears Dimensions : 10.5cm x 14cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 Jul 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with additional kids. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was delivered because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her various dogs. She had frogs newts ferrets plus even a pet bat. She equally had 2 rabbits — the initially was Benjamin who she described because "an impudent cheeky small thing" whilst the 2nd was Peter who she took everywhere along with her about a small lead even found on the casual outing. Potter watched the animals for hours about end sketching them plus developing her abilities because an artist. Beatrix Potter's dad was Rupert William Potter (1832–1914) son of Edmund Potter. Rupert trained because a barrister however invested his days at gentlemen's clubs plus seldom practi lots more
The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck The gentleman raised his eyes above his newspaper plus looked curiously at Jemima - "Madam have we lost the method?" mentioned he. Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Paperback. Condition : Used. No marks or tears Dimensions : 10.5cm x 14cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 July 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with different youngsters. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was transmitted because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her various dogs. She had frogs newts ferrets plus even a pet bat. She additionally had 2 rabbits — the initially was Benjamin who she described because "an impudent cheeky small thing" whilst the 2nd was Peter who she took everywhere along with her about a small lead even found on the casual outing. Potter watched the animals for hours about end sketching them plus developing her abilities because an artist. Beatrix Potter's dad was Rupe lots more
The Tale of Ginger plus Pickles - Beatrix Potter The visitors came inside crowds daily plus bought quantities specifically the toffee consumers. Condition: New Hardcover Author: Beatrix Potter Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 978 0 72326 012 7 About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter’s Life A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art when her brother was transferred away with school. She had been a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside globe nevertheless her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not go much more info
The Tale of Mrs Tittlemouse Mrs. Tittlemouse became a many awfully clean specific small mouse always sweeping plus dusting the soft sandy floors. Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Paperback. Condition : Used. No marks or tears Dimensions : 10.5cm x 14cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 Jul 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with alternative youngsters. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was transferred because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her countless dogs. She had frogs newts ferrets plus even a pet bat. She additionally had 2 rabbits — the initially was Benjamin who she described because "an impudent cheeky small thing" when the 2nd was Peter who she took everywhere along with her about a small lead even found on the casual outi here
The Story of the Fierce Bad Rabbit The bad Rabbit might like several carrot. He doesn't state "Please." He takes it! Author : Beatrix Potter ISBN : 978 0 72326 004 2 Format : Hardcover Condition : New Dimensions : 16xm x 20xm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art whilst her brother was delivered away with school. She had been a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside globe yet her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training herself when painting plus attracting the factors she saw about her. Her childhood sketches show an e click the link
The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin - Beatrix Potter But Nutkin sat on a big flat rock and played ninepins with a crab apple. Condition: New Hardcover Author: Beatrix Potter Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 978 0 72325 983 1 About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter’s Life A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art when her brother was transmitted away with school. She had been a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside planet yet her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training extra
The Tale of Peter Rabbit "Now my dears " mentioned older Mrs. Rabbit 1 morning "you will go into the fields or down the lane yet don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden." Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Paperback. Condition : Used. No marks or tears Dimensions : 10.5cm x 14cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 July 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with additional kids. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was transmitted because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her countless dogs. She had frogs newts ferrets plus even a pet bat. She equally had 2 ra additional info.....
Peter Rabbit Little Library Format : 6 board books inside 1 set Condition : New Dimensions : 10cm x 10cm x 6cm Stories inside this set : Peter Rabbit Benjamin Bunny Mrs Tiggy-Winkle Mr Jeremy Fisher Tom Kitten Jemima Puddle-Duck About Beatix Potter A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art whilst her brother was transmitted away with school. She became a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside planet however her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training more info
The Tale of Mr Jeremy Fisher But Mr. Jeremy liked getting his feet wet; nobody ever scolded him plus he not caught a cold! Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Paperback. Condition : Used. No marks or tears Dimensions : 10.5cm x 14cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 Jul 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with alternative kids. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was delivered because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her various dogs. She had frogs newts ferrets plus even a pet bat. She furthermore had 2 rabbits — the initially was Benjamin who she described because "an impudent cheeky small thing" when the 2nd was Peter who she took everywhere along with her about a small lead even found on the casual outing. Potter additional info.....
The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse - Beatrix Potter One spot matches 1 individual another area suits another individual. For my piece I choose with live inside the nation like Timmy Willie. Condition: New Hardcover Author: Beatrix Potter Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 978 0 72326 007 3 About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter’s Life A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art whilst her brother was transferred away with school. She became a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside globe however her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training herself whilst click the link
The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes - Beatrix Potter Then Timmy Tiptoes came out and went house with an umbrella. Condition: New Hardcover Author: Beatrix Potter Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 978 0 72326 006 6 About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter’s Life A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art when her brother was transferred away with school. She had been a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside planet however her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training herself when painting plus attracting the factors she saw about her. Her childhood sketches show an early fascination for the topic that might continue throughout her lifetime. She addition click here.....
The Story of Miss Moppet - Beatrix Potter And considering the Mouse has teased Miss Moppet - Miss Moppet thinks she can tease the Mouse. Condition: New Hardcover Author: Beatrix Potter Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 978 0 72326 014 1 About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter’s Life A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art whilst her brother was transferred away with school. She became a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside globe however her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training herself whilst painting plus attracting the items she saw about her. Her childhood sketches present an ea considerably more details
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny "Peter " - mentioned small Benjamin inside a whisper - "who has a clothing?" Peter replied - "The scarecrow inside Mr. McGregor's garden." Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Paperback. Condition : Used. Minor cover wear - no different marks or tears Dimensions : 10.5cm x 14cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 July 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with additional kids. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was delivered because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her numerous dogs. She had frogs n details
The Tailor of Gloucester Out stepped a small live girl mouse and prepared a curtsy with the tailor! Author : Beatrix Potter Format : Paperback. Condition : Used. Minor damage to pay for name inside name plate - otherwise no marks or tears Dimensions : 13cm x 18cm x 0.5cm About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter was born inside South Kensington London about 28 July 1866. Educated at house with a succession of governesses she had small chance with blend with additional youngsters. Even her young brother Bertram was seldom at home; he was transmitted because a boy with boarding school exiting Beatrix alone along with her various dogs. She had frogs newts ferrets plus even a pet bat. She furthermore had 2 rabbits — the initially was Benjamin who she described because "an impudent cheeky small thing" wh extra info
Nursery Rhyme - Book plus CD Music composed by Peter Cobbin Format : Hardcover (padded) and CD Condition : New Dimensions : 20cm x 26cm x 1cm About the Book Beatrix Potter liked conventional rhymes plus riddles plus she wove them into her stories when she might. This wonderfully illustrated amount brings together over fifty of her nursery rhymes inside 1 collection plus makes a ideal book of initial verse for each young child. The accompanying CD contains all of the rhymes set with music inside Peter Cobbin's wonderfully different plus tuneful plans. About Beatix Potter A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art whilst her brother was transmitted away with school. She had been a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside globe yet her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training herself whilst painting plus attracting the aspects she saw about her. Her childhood sketches present an early fascination for the t related info
The Tale of Little Pig Robinson - Beatrix Potter Robinson had the many peculiar adventures that ever happend with a pig. Condition: New Hardcover Author: Beatrix Potter Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 978 0 72326 013 4 About Beatix Potter Beatrix Potter’s Life A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art whilst her brother was delivered away with school. She had been a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside globe however her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her other artists. Beatrix Potter’s Art Despite not going with school Beatrix was an enthusiastic student of nature training herself whilst painting plus attracting the items she saw about her. Her childhood sketches present an early fascination for the topic that might continue throughout her existence. She moreover painted various beautiful landscapes which show her fun inside the countryside. Click here to find out more about Beatrix Potter's considerably more details
Peter Rabbit plus Other Stories Format : Hardcover Condition : Used ex-library book 1977 marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of Beatrix Potter's initially book "The Tale of Peter Rabbit " plus inside purchase with enjoy the event it was brought together with six of her different stories inside this 1 amount. For decades these books have charmed plus pleased kids throughout the globe with their beautiful stoires plus authentic illustraions. Tales inside this book include: Peter Rabbit Two Bad Mice Mrs. Tiggy Winkle Mr. Jeremy Fisher Squirrel Nutkin Benjamin bunny plus The Tailor of Gloucester. About Beatrix Potter A small girl inside Victorian England Beatrix Potter was taught at house by governesses plus studied art whilst her brother was transferred away with school. She became a timid reserved character whenever interacting with all the outside planet yet her secret diary created inside her own code revealed a lively young girl with very important opinions of her othe more data
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1902 with an initial 8000 copies printed and the tale has never been out of print since. She went on to publish another 22 little books over the next 28 years, the proceeds from which enabled her to buy Hill Top Farm in the Lake District. Eventually she went on to own 15 farms and over 4,000 acres of land in the area.
Miss Potter
The ideal subject for the Hollywood film Miss Potter in 2006, the story of Beatrix Potter's life held both great sadness and great success. After the tragic death of her fiancé and publisher, Norman Warne, Beatrix remained unmarried until the age of 47, when she married William Heelis, a Lake District solicitor. She dedicated her later years to preserving the ecology and natural beauty of the Lake District, becoming a farmer and breeding Herdwick sheep. She worked closely with The National Trust and left them a substantial part of her estate to be preserved as a living landscape.
The popularity of Beatrix Potter's stories and characters has grown immeasurably since she published The Tale of Peter Rabbit over 100 years ago, aided by her own foresight and acute business sense. A woman ahead of her time, she saw the potential in her most famous character creating the first patented soft toy in 1903, making Peter Rabbit the oldest licensed character. Not only that, she left an astounding legacy of stories, characters, art and unspoiled landscape to the world.
Victorian Childhood
Beatrix Potter was born on July 28th, 1866 at No 2, Bolton Gardens, Kensington in London. A typical Victorian family, the Potters lived in a large house with several servants. Beatrix was cared for by a nurse, and she spent long hours alone, only seeing her parents at bedtime and on special occasions.
Bertram
Her brother Bertram was born when she was six, and the children were educated at home by a governess until Bertram was old enough to attend school.
Beatrix stayed at home under the care of a sequence of governesses who encouraged her to read and write and taught her music and art.
Beatrix Potter discovered her love of nature on annual summer holidays in Scotland and the Lake District. She and Bertram explored the woods and fields, caught and tamed wild animals, and sketched and painted all they saw.
The countryside
It was while staying near Windermere in the Lake District in 1882 that the Potters became friendly with the local vicar, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley. Rawnsley was already concerned by the effects of industry and tourism on the natural beauty of the Lake District. He taught Beatrix the importance of preserving the countryside, a cause that was to remain close to her heart for the rest of her life.
Secret Diary
When Beatrix was fifteen, she began to keep a journal written in a secret code of her own invention. Even Beatrix herself, when she read back over it in later life, found it difficult to understand.
Cracking the Code
It was not until fifteen years after her death that the code was cracked. To the outside world Beatrix appeared a shy and reserved person but in her diary she was able to express herself openly, and she showed herself to be a strong critic of the artists, writers and politicians of the day.
Beatrix Potter’s Pets
Mr and Mrs Potter were overprotective parents and discouraged friendships with other children, but Beatrix and Bertram had each other for company and together they collected a menagerie of pets which they kept in the schoolroom.
At one time, they had a green frog, two lizards, some water newts, a ring-snake, a tortoise and a rabbit, all of which were carefully studied by the children.
Famous Characters
Beatrix covered pages with sketches of them and almost all of her famous characters are based on the pets that she used to keep; for example Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny were based on the real pet rabbits Peter Piper and Benjamin Bouncer.
Picture Letters
Did Beatrix Potter like children? The many letters she wrote to them, and pictures she drew for them, all seem to suggest that she did, very much. Some of Beatrix Potter's little books began as letters she wrote to children, with little pen and ink drawings to illustrate them. She made up a whole series of correspondence between the characters in her books as delightful miniature letters.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
"Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter." This is the introduction to one of the best-loved children's stories of all time - The Tale of Peter Rabbit. However, the story of how Beatrix Potter's most famous character came to have a book published about him is another tale entirely.
On September 4th, 1893, Beatrix sat down to write a picture letter to Noel Moore, the five-year-old son of her ex-governess, all about a naughty rabbit called Peter. Noel was ill in bed and so Beatrix wrote to him: "My dear Noel, I don't know what to write to you, so I shall tell you a story about four little rabbits..."
Publishing Peter Rabbit
Some years later, Beatrix thought of publishing the story as a book. She rewrote it into an exercise book and sent it to six publishers. It was rejected by every one of them. It was not until Beatrix had arranged to print the book privately that Frederick Warne agreed to publish it. The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published in 1902, costing one shilling (the equivalent of just 5p today,) and became one of the most famous stories ever written.
Though Beatrix always believed in her book, even she was surprised by quite how popular it became. It was an overnight success, and she believed that this was because the story had originally been written for a real child.
Peter Rabbit has always been Beatrix Potter's most popular character - he also features in The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies, and The Tale of Mr. Tod.
Did you know that Beatrix Potter really owned a pet rabbit called Peter? Read about him in Beatrix Potter's Pets.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Beatrix Potter produced new colour illustrations for The Tale of Peter Rabbit and was there to check on the quality of the reproduction and printing. She thought about every aspect of the book including the typefaces, binding, cover designs, endpapers and titles pages making this truly a book 'By Beatrix Potter'.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit has always been published in the same much loved small format. But originally all the books were published with different coloured covers. In 1930 all twenty-three were reissued in a standardised series of little books the same size as the original Tale of Peter Rabbit. In the 1940s, with Beatrix Potter’s approval, they were given the white dust jackets which everyone recognises today.
1987
By the time Penguin Books acquired Frederick Warne in 1985, the printing film was beginning to deteriorate.
2002
The centenary of the first publication of The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 2002 gave Frederick Warne a wonderful opportunity to revisit every detail of the design of these little books to prepare them for their next 100 years.
The aim was to return to the first editions and recreate the books exactly as Beatrix Potter intended them, while using modern printing and design techniques to enhance the quality in a way that was not possible in Beatrix Potter’s day.
The Pictures
The most important aspect to consider were the pictures, the most famous and valuable element of the books. Massive advances in colour origination and printing in the previous 10 years meant better reproductions were achievable than ever before, using the most up-to-date digital technology.
The intention was to produce reproductions that retain as much colour as possible, have as few of the imperfections brought about by aging (foxing or the degeneration of the china white Beatrix herself used to make corrections for instance) and for the final result to be "jewel-like" and to give the impression that the picture had been painted straight onto the page of the book.
The 2002 edition sees six illustrations restored to The Tale of Peter Rabbit, four that were removed in 1903 plus two that had never been used before, Beatrix having initially prepared more illustrations than could be accommodated in the original format.
The Paper
The paper stock was changed to a creamy-white, going away from the stark white of the paper that was fashionable in the 1980s and moving back to a colour that was closer to Beatrix's off-white watercolour paper.
The Text
The text was reset in the typeface Founders Caslon, which is of the correct period and of a complementary weight to the illustrations. Each opening was redesigned individually to ensure the correct balance between type and picture was maintained throughout the series. This task was carried out by Douglas Martin, typography historian and working designer, who hand spaced the text on every page to achieve the most pleasing layout.
The Jacket
The white dust jackets are part of the recognisable appeal of Beatrix Potter’s little books and they were preserved for the 2002 editions with a design that maintained the integrity and authenticity of the original version. The covers were simplified by dropping all unnecessary text and were matt varnished to give a more appropriate period feel. The illustrations used on the cover were contained in a box the same shape as the original pasted-on cover pictures, giving each book its individual identity.
The Case
The hardback board case under the dust jacket was changed for the whole series to the same shade of blue, the universally recognised colour for Peter Rabbit. The text and pictures of the cases echoed the jacket designs.
Hill Top Farm
Beatrix had always loved the Lake District since childhood holidays, and now, with the money she was earning from her Peter Rabbit books she was able to buy Hill Top Farm in the village of Sawrey. She kept on the farm manager, John Cannon, and invested in a flock of Herdwick sheep. She could not stay in her beloved new home because she was expected to take care of her parents in London, but it was her first step to independence, and she visited it whenever she could.
Beatrix Potter had always been passionately interested in 'real' animals, and after her marriage to William Heelis in 1913 she was able to settle in the Lake District permanently, and devote herself almost entirely to her farming.
By the end of her life, Beatrix has bought fifteen farms, and took a very active part in caring for them. Dressed in her clogs, shawl and old tweed skirt, she helped with the hay making, waded through mud to unblock drains and searched the fells for lost sheep. She said she was at her happiest when she was with her farm animals.
Herdwick Sheep
With her shepherd, Tom Storey, she bred Herdwick sheep - a rare and threatened breed indigenous to the Lake District. She encouraged the revival of Herdwick sheep in all her farms, and her sheep won most of the major prizes at local shows.
In 1943, Beatrix became the first woman to be elected President of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders' Association, which was a great achievement and a sign of the high regard in which she was held by the local farming community.
Beatrix Potter used Hill Top as the backdrop for several of her tales. The first was The Tale of Tom Kitten, which she wrote in 1906. She included favourite views of her new home in the Tales of Jemima Puddle-duck, Samuel Whiskers and Pigling Bland and Ginger and Pickles' shop is set in Sawrey village. In 1947 the National Trust opened the house to the public and receives thousands of visitors a year.
Beatrix Potter Biography
