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Beatrix Potter's Birthday
“Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were - Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter. ”
~ The Tale of Peter Rabbit and other Stories, Beatrix Potter, 1902
If you are Clan Gregor, perhaps today is a good day to calm yourself with a supper of milk and blackberries, or a soothing cup of chamomile tea... and try to look kindly upon any visiting rabbits or hedge bunnies who have nibbled your garden. Today is their day!
English author, illustrator, and naturalist Beatrix Potter was born today, July 28, 1866, as is known best for her 1902 book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, published in 1902. Remarkably, after being rejected by several publishers, Potter privately printed the story herself before it was finally accepted and went on to become one of the best-selling children's books of all time.
Peter Rabbit was inspired by one of Potter's own pets—a lively Belgian buck rabbit named Peter Piper, followed by another pet rabbit she also adored. As children, Beatrix and her brother Bertram kept an extraordinary menagerie that included birds, mice, lizards, snakes, snails, guinea pigs, bats, hedgehogs, dogs, cats, and, of course, rabbits. Potter's careful observations of these animals gave her illustrations an unusual realism that still delights readers today.
Historians also believe that Peter Rabbit's famously grumpy Scottish nemesis, Mr. McGregor, may have been inspired by a blend of two real people: Potter's mycology mentor, Charles McIntosh (whose surname itself means "son of the chief" in Gaelic), and her landlord, Atholl McGregor.
Whether or not Mr. McGregor deserved his reputation, generations of children have quietly cheered as Peter made yet another daring escape from his vegetable garden!
Designed to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the publication of Peter Rabbit in 1902, this tartan uses the soft colours found in the book's illustration, particularly the blue of Peter's coat.
Long before merchandise and animated films, Beatrix Potter was also something of a business pioneer. She patented a Peter Rabbit doll in 1903, making it one of the very first literary characters ever licensed as merchandise—a tradition that continues more than 120 years later. 💙 🤍 💛 ❤️ 💚 🐇 🐇 🐇 📚 ✍️
With strong affinities for Scotland, the author of the beloved Peter Rabbit books was born this day, July 28th in 1866, the only daughter of a family of wealth and privilege, who renounced their roots in trade for a place in London society.
The Potters' family activities centred around family and friends, visits to art galleries and leisurely holidays, first in the Scottish countryside and later in the Lake District. Beatrix's talent in drawing and painting was evident early.
Her Highland nurse had filled her young head with witches, fairies, rebellious wee folk which became early subjects.
Eventually, her artistic skills and keen eye for nature drew her to a fascination with fungi. Encouraged in her efforts at scientific illustration by a reclusive Scottish naturalist, Beatrix accurately painted hundreds of specimens, and drew many under the microscope. In advance of her time, she proposed a theory of germination in 1897 and argued for the existence of cellular symbiosis.
Determined to derive a measure of financial independence from her family through her art, Beatrix turned from the theoretical to the fanciful. She found a publisher for her tale of a naughty rabbit based upon a picture letter to a young Noel Moore when Norman Warne of Frederick Warne & Co. bravely risked publishing The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902.
Against family opposition to someone in trade, Beatrix accepted a marriage proposal from her publisher, Norman Wayne. But sadly, he died suddenly soon after their engagement. Griefstricken, Beatrix fled to Near Sawrey, a tiny village in the Lake District, and to a farm called Hill Top.
Designed to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the publication of Peter Rabbit in 1902, this tartan uses the soft colours found in the book's illustration, particularly the blue of Peter's coat.
Peter Rabbit's jacket comes to prominence foe in the famous tale through the fearsome Scot Mr. McGregor, from whom Peter barely escapes after pillaging his garden.
Mr. McGregor is an elderly gardener who makes his first appearance in The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902). He was originally intended to share title honours with Peter as "The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Mr. McGregor's Garden," but the title was shortened when Potter first privately published the book in 1901.
In the reworking of the tale now well known, Peter's mother has forbidden her four children to enter McGregor's garden (their father met a sad end there and was made into a pie by Mrs. McGregor), but Peter disobeys once his mother leaves on an errand for the bakery.
McGregor chases Peter about the garden but Peter escapes after losing his jacket and shoes. McGregor dresses a scarecrow with Peter's clothing as a future warning to bold and brazen young rabbits.
Literary historians have uncovered several possible real candidates who inspired villain of this famous piece.
For more on Peter Rabbit's ties to Dunkeld, Scotland, click the collage of Beatrix Potter characters to visit the Birnam Arts Centre Beatrix Potter Garden and Exhibition website.