Biography Of Beatrix Potter -

Biography Of Beatrix Potter

Biography Of Beatrix Potter

 

Beatrix Potter was an illustrator, writer, and conservationist. Her most famous work is her most popular children’s book The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Stories that showcased her passion for animals as well as nature. English countryside. In her later years, she purchased a large area of property located in the Lake District, and on her death, she donated her land to the National Trust, helping to save a significant portion of the Lake District national park.

Short bio Beatrix Potter

 

Beatrix Potter (28 July 1866 – 22nd December 1943)

Beatrix was Born in Kensington, London to middle-class, Unitarian parents. Their father Robert was a famous lawyer and her mother is the daughter of a successful merchant. Both of her parents were artists and their talent was handed down to Beatrix.

The majority of her youth was with her own family She rarely visited her brother Ewan whom she sent to the boarding school. Being a bit isolated from kids during her years, Beatrix was attracted to the world she created by writing her own stories, often based on animals. Beatrix was a naturally talented artist. And through a few art classes, she became proficient in the art of drawing. Later, she wrote:

“Thank you that I didn’t have to go to school. It would have scratched off some of my uniqueness.

During her childhood, and especially in the Lake District, she looked after many animals, such as; rabbits, frogs, and even bats. She drew these animals throughout her childhood, gradually improving the standard of her drawings. Beatrix was also interested in natural history; she would spend many hours drawing wildlife such as fungi and flowers. At one time she had aspirations to develop this scientific interest professionally. An uncle tried to help her become a student at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, but she was rejected because of her gender. Nevertheless, she later became respected for her contribution to mycology – the study of fungi.

In her 20s, her parents attempted to find a suitable partner for Beatrix to get married to. Numerous suitors could be found but for each potential marriage, Beatrix rejected them. She was an extremely independent woman and was not a fan of being tied to a solitary household life, which included living at home and taking children. So, unlike other women of the late Victorian time frame, Beatrix remained single and did not leave her home.

 

Publishing of Peter Rabbit Books

 

In her 20s, she attempted to make her children’s books as well as drawings printed. Initial attempts failed however, she continued to work, and eventually, it was commissioned by Frederick Warne & Company. It was released in 1902 when Beatrix was just 36. The publisher didn’t think they would be able to sell a lot of copies and offered the book to their younger sister, Norman, as a type of test to see how he would do with his debut project. But, Norman proved to be the right option. He was a fan of both the book as well as Beatrix. It was his goal to succeed in the publication of the book. He also established a strong working relationship with Beatrix while they pondered each aspect that the text contained. The book was written by Norman who demanded that every illustration from Peter Rabbit would be in color. Beatrix insists that the book was kept compact, to make it simple for children to hold. At the close of this year, more than 28,000 copies were available.

Beatrix Also had great business sense. In 1903 she patented her own Peter Rabbit doll. The spin-offs were a great source of extra income, allowing her to be wealthy.

Biography Of Beatrix Potter

 

Biography Of Beatrix Potter

Connection with Norman Warne

 

The romance between Norman and Beatrix developed, and, eventually, they were engaged in the year 1906. However, Beatrix’s parents disapproved. They thought it was unjust for Beatrix to marry the son of a tradesman. But, eventually, they agreed but demanded that Beatrix remain apart for six months to allow her to reconsider her decision. The wedding was tragically delayed until the day before it was scheduled to take place, Norman passed away, dying from anemia pernicious. Beatrix was devastated. She wrote a letter to Norman’s cousin, Millie, saying; “He didn’t live to the fullest but he lived an enjoyable and happy life. I will try to create an effort to start again in the coming year.”

After his demise, Beatrix moved to Lakeland. The year 1905 was the time she purchased Hill Top Farm, in Sawrey, Cumbria. The farm was her home for the rest of her life. Due to deterioration in her eyesight, Beatrix eventually stopped writing children’s books Instead, she dedicated their time and energy to the feeding of sheep and preserving Lakeland farms. She was especially interested in raising and breeding locally-bred Herdwick sheep. She was one of the most prominent Herdwick sheep farmers in the region. She felt at home at local agricultural shows.

I am not a fan of publicity and have managed to get by as an old lady without it apart from the intimate ambiance in Agricultural Shows. [1939 interview]

She married William Heelis in 1913 when she was 47 years old. The couple was not childless but Beatrix was active in their extended family William, like his numerous nieces and nephews from his siblings and brothers. Later on, the writing stopped. She only wrote and did drawing some of the time mostly for personal passion. Her time was filled with conservation, farming, and taking care of her family.

 

Beatrix Potter Conservation in Lake District

 

Thanks to the proceeds of her highly successful books and then her inheritors, Beatrix was able to purchase several working farms. When she passed away she donated over 4000 acres of land to the National Trust. It’s one of the largest legacies that have been created.

Potter published 23 books. Her most well-known works include:

  • The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902)
  • The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin (1903)
  • The Tailor at Gloucester (1903)
  • The Tale of Benjamin Bunny (1904)
  • The Tale of Two Bad Mice (1904)
  • The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle (1905)
  • “The Tale of the Pie” and Patty-Pan (1905)
  • The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher (1906)
  • The Story of A Fierce Bad Rabbit (1906)

In 2007, the movie Miss Potter was released, featuring Renee Zellweger. The film focused on her first book, as well as her romantic relationship and romance with Norman Warne.

 

Quotes from Beatrix Potter

“Believe that there is a great power quietly working in all things to your advantage, so be a good person and don’t think about the rest.”

– Beatrix Potter

I remember that I used to pretend and play with fairies as an infant. What is more real than the ability to keep the innocence of childhood but tempered and balanced by wisdom and common sense…

Journal entries (1896-11-17) taken from the National Trust collection.

Once upon a time, there were four small Rabbits and their names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902)

Don’t enter Mr. McGregor’s yard as your father had an accident there. He was thrown into an oven in the kitchen by Mrs. McGregor.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

“The area is changing now and many of the familiar faces have gone The most significant change is me. When I was a kid I didn’t know how the world would turn out. I wanted to put my trust in the sea and the ocean. The whole world seemed romantic in my mind. The woods were filled with mysterious good people. The ladies and Lords of the 19th century strolled with me on the overgrown paths and picked out the traditional flowers from the rose and box hedges in this garden.”

Beatrix Potter

“It often happens that the child from the town is more acclimatized to the country’s beauty than a child born in the country. We were both born in London…but our roots as well as our fascination and happiness were located in the north of England’.

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