Beatrix Potter has been remembered as a “pioneer of illustrated children’s literature” and a “trailblazing businesswoman” as murals of her best-known characters were unveiled in Carlisle to mark 160 years since her birth.
Carlisle city centre was chosen for the murals because of its close proximity to the Lake District, which Potter had strong connections to.
The author, who was born in London on July 28 1866, was a farmer and conservationist and used her book royalties to buy vast amounts of land to preserve the Lake District for future generations.
The murals feature her characters Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle and Squirrel Nutkin.
Also featured is a quote from Potter: “What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood.”
To mark her birthday, Potter’s longtime publisher, Frederick Warne & Co, is leading a programme of celebrations to commemorate her life and legacy.
The events will include Peter Rabbit: Tales On The Tyne, which will see an art trail featuring Peter Rabbit sculptures appear across Newcastle and North Tyneside from July 15 to September 14.
Other activities include a yarn-bombing campaign with skilled crochet creators and character walls in Southwark and Kensington.
The JW Marriott Grosvenor House London in Mayfair will also introduce an afternoon tea inspired by Beatrix Potter’s works.
Penguin Random House Children’s will publish a range of new titles and formats for both avid fans and those new to the world of Peter Rabbit.
These include a new picture book edition of the original Tale Of Mr Jeremy Fisher, which celebrates 120 years since publication this year, as well as books inspired by The World of Peter Rabbit.
Ygraine Cadlock, publisher of classic brands at Penguin Random House Children’s, said: “We are so proud to be the home of Beatrix Potter’s celebrated works, especially on what would be her 160th birthday.
“From the first publication in 1903 by Frederick Warne & Co, now an imprint of Penguin Random House, her books have never been out of print and have sold over 260 million copies around the world in 50 languages.
“The world she created has delighted and inspired numerous generations of children with its charming artwork, engaging adventures and characters to fall in love with.
“She was so much more than a pioneer of illustrated children’s literature; beyond her books she was a natural scientist, award-winning farmer, passionate conservationist and trailblazing businesswoman.
“A true icon; it is our privilege and honour to celebrate her and her legacy.”
The Tales Of Peter Rabbit came about after Potter wrote an illustrated letter to her former governess’ five-year-old son Noel to cheer him up while he was ill with scarlet fever.
She wrote a letter about “four little rabbits”, which she later published at her own expense in December 1901.
It was eventually published by Frederick Warne & Co in October 1902 and had sold 50,000 copies by December 1903.
A keen businesswoman, Potter made a Peter Rabbit doll and registered it with the Patent Office, launching the first in a long line of products.
The Tales Of Peter Rabbit was followed by The Tales Of Squirrel Nutkin and The Tailor Of Gloucester, with Potter publishing two or three little books each year.
She died in December 1943 at the age of 77.
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