It is now more than 100 years since the publication of 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', which marked the start of Beatrix Potter’s literary career.
And today the work of this favourite children’s author and illustrator remains as fresh as when it was first published.
The National Trust’s Beatrix Potter collection is the largest single collection of her exquisite published illustrations. In addition, the collection also includes unpublished drawings, manuscripts of many of the stories, other literary manuscripts, letters and photographs.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery
A selection of original illustrations and other material from the collection can be seen each year at the National Trust’s Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, in the heart of the English Lake District.
The Gallery building was formerly the office of Beatrix Potter’s husband, the solicitor William Heelis, left to the National Trust in his will and converted in 1988 to display Beatrix Potter’s original works.
The Collection itself passed into the hands of The National Trust in 1947, following William Heelis’ death in 1945.
Beatrix Potter’s legacy
Beatrix Potter’s legacy to The National Trust encompassed not only the wealth of material springing from her literary and artistic career, but also a huge estate of 4000 acres of land in the Lake District, along with farm buildings and cottages.
This included Beatrix Potter’s most famous farm, Hill Top in the village of Near Sawrey, home to many of her best-loved storybook characters.
The Beatrix Potter Collection comprises Beatrix Potter’s original works and assorted papers; the furniture and furnishings of Hill Top are listed separately as Hill Top’s inventory of contents.
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