Beatrix Potter’s (1866-1943) inspiration came from the nature and animals that surrounded her as a child and sprouted an imagination that would delight the world forever. Her extensive studies in art, literature, and science fueled her, as did her journal, where she kept ideas in her own coded language. Since she started drawing so young, she was able to perfect her craft by the time her work was to be published.

Influenced by fairy tales, fantasy, and religious imagery, Potter was able to sell her drawings to illustrate other writers’ work, and as illustrations for Christmas cards. When she found a home for The Tale of Peter Rabbit, both she and her publisher, F.W. Warne, were taken aback by its immediate popularity. Her illustrations and stories of whimsical animal characters are still a favorite today and can be found in the children’s section of any bookstore or library.

Major Works

• The Tale of Peter Rabbit
• The Tale of Benjamin Bunny
• The Tale of Little Pig Robinson
• The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies
• The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin
• The Tale of Tom Kitten

More Information

• Beatrix Potter – Wikipedia
• The Tales of Peter Rabbit  – Peter Rabbit
• Beatrix Potter Society

Visit Beatrix Potter Locations

• The Hill Top - Sawrey, Ambleside, UK
• The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction - Bowness-on-Windermere, UK

Beatrix Potter Quotes

“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.”

“I cannot rest, I must draw, however poor the result and when I have a bad time come over me it is a stronger desire than ever.”

“Most people, after one success, are so cringingly afraid of doing less well that they rub all the edge off their subsequent work.”

“I hold that a strongly marked personality can influence descendants for generations.”

“Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality.”

“I remember I used to half believe and wholly play with fairies when I was a child. What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common-sense.”

“All outward forms of religion are almost useless, and are the causes of endless strife… Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest.”

2 comments on “Potter, Beatrix”

1. Connie Neumann on July 21, 2012 at 6:03 pm said:

   Thank you for posting a lovely summary of Beatrix Potter’s literary life. You would enjoy visiting with others in the Beatrix Potter Society both in the UK and USA at conferences or local gatherings. Hope you can join us!

   Reply ↓
2. nava on July 21, 2012 at 6:22 pm said:

   Connie, can you post the links for the Society, both in the UK and USA?

   Reply ↓