Words Of Wisdom – Beatrix Potter 

Born Helen Potter on July 28th, 1866 this famous children’s author is better known by her middle name, Beatrix. The wonderful writer who brought the world the adventures of Peter Rabbit.

Growing up in a privileged household, Beatrix lived a solitary childhood and would instead spend her time with her myriad pets wandering the grounds of her holiday homes in the Lake District and in Scotland learning about and developing a love for the local flora and fauna there.

Opportunities for further education were very limited for women of the period, Beatrix was very fond of spending time in nature. Her study of fungi and her stunning watercolor depictions would lead her to become very well respected in the field of mycology. 

She tasted success as an illustrator, selling some of her work to be used for greeting cards.

One of her most famous works, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, started out as a story she wrote for the children of a former governess in a letter.

Encouraged by the children to continue the tale in her letters, potter later transformed this letter into a book, which she published privately in 1902, with Frederick Warne & Co, The publishing company was run by three brothers. One of those brothers was Norman Warne, whom she quickly fell in love with and became engaged too.

Her upper-class parents objected to their love but love prevailed until sadly, only weeks after proposing to Beatrix, he passed away died suddenly and unexpectedly of leukemia.

A devastated Beatrix poured her love of wildlife into practice after receiving a legacy from an aunt, which along with the proceeds of her books, allowed her to purchase a farm in order to preserve the landscape.

Upon her death, at the age of 77 all this land was bequeathed to The National Trust and now goes to make up a large part of The Lake District National Park.

With over 30 books to her name, Beatrix has become a timeless part of many people’s childhoods and her stories continue to sell well, being made into films, ballets, animations, and songs.