The Potter family stayed at Wray Castle which overlooked the magnificent Lake Windermere, a beautiful landscape which would motivate much of her work in the future.īy 1896, Beatrix’s interest in botany had led to her involvement in the study of fungi for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. Her next rabbit called Peter Piper would serve as a companion also: it is not hard to see where the inspiration for a naughty young Peter Rabbit came from!Ībout the time she was sixteen, the family decided to holiday in the Lake District, a location she would fall in love with and remain passionate about until her death. Joining her on these holidays was her first pet rabbit called Benjamin Bouncer, who was said to have enjoyed toast at breakfast and accompanying walks in the countryside. This was an exciting time for Beatrix and her brother, who were given the freedom to explore the countryside, further developing her keen interest in botany. Meanwhile, another source of inspiration for Beatrix’s burgeoning tales came from her annual three month holiday which she spent with her family in the rural idyll of Perthshire in Scotland. Seeing the potential, Annie would suggest later to Beatrix that she could turn these stories into published children’s books. Beatrix and Annie would become good friends, so much so that Beatrix would send Annie’s eight children letters full of stories and fantastical tales, accompanied of course by vivid illustrations. Whilst Beatrix was actively encouraged by her parents in her artistic and creative pursuits, she also benefited from her education by governesses, particularly Annie Moore, to whom she remained close into adulthood. ![]() As children they had many pets and animals which they smuggled into their schoolroom, ranging from frogs to hedgehogs and even rabbits. This pastime would become a passion she shared with her brother, who like her, had a keen interest in the animal world. The Potter’s links to Pre-Raphaelite artists such as Sir John Everett Millais would help to inspire her and encourage her natural artistic flair.Īs a child she spent many a day drawing plants and animals, filling sketchbooks with her illustrations, demonstrating her aptitude as well as her vivid imagination. The family’s connections to artistic circles in London also proved influential in her initial experimentation with illustration. The father-daughter trips to the Natural History Museum as well as the Royal Academy and the South Kensington Museum would help expose young Beatrix to a world of art and design. 1894īeatrix’s father was keen on taking his daughter on day trips to many noteworthy places of culture and education around London. ![]() It was not until the arrival of her brother Bertram when she was six years old, that she would have a companion who shared her love of art and nature.īeatrix Potter, her father and brother c. Young Beatrix was educated by governesses and lived a typical Victorian childhood. ![]() It was clear that a passion for illustration ran through the veins of the family. Beatrix’s grandfather had been an artist and was the co-founder of the Manchester School of Design. Whilst her father was a qualified barrister, he enjoyed photography and shared a passion for art with his wife Helen.Īs a family they mixed in an intellectual and artistic social group amongst artists, politicians and writers. Her family lived comfortably as both her parents’ families had made money through the cotton trade in the north of England. Helen Beatrix Potter was born on 28th July 1866 in Bolton Gardens in Kensington, London. A prolific writer and illustrator, she created stories that would entertain and engage generations of children. One of Britain’s best loved authors, Beatrix Potter is famous for her enchanting tales of naughty animals such as Tom Kitten and Peter Rabbit.
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