Murals depicting Beatrix Potter’s iconic characters have been unveiled in Carlisle to mark the 160th anniversary of the author’s birth.
Carlisle city centre was chosen for the murals because of its close proximity to the Lake District, where Potter had strong connections as a farmer and conservationist. She used her book royalties to buy vast amounts of land to preserve the area for future generations.
Characters and Quotes
The murals feature Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, and Squirrel Nutkin. A quote from Potter is also included: “What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood.”
Celebrations and Events
To mark her birthday, Potter’s longtime publisher, Frederick Warne & Co, is leading a programme of celebrations. These include Peter Rabbit: Tales On The Tyne, an art trail with Peter Rabbit sculptures across Newcastle and North Tyneside from July 15 to September 14. Other activities involve a yarn-bombing campaign with crochet creators and character walls in Southwark and Kensington. The JW Marriott Grosvenor House London in Mayfair will introduce an afternoon tea inspired by Potter’s works. Penguin Random House Children’s will publish new titles, including a picture book edition of The Tale Of Mr Jeremy Fisher for its 120th anniversary, along with books inspired by The World of Peter Rabbit.
Legacy
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 originated from an illustrated letter Potter wrote to a sick child. She self-published the story in 1901, and Frederick Warne & Co published it in 1902, selling 50,000 copies by 1903. Potter also created a Peter Rabbit doll, launching a line of merchandise. She continued publishing two or three books yearly, including The Tales Of Squirrel Nutkin and The Tailor Of Gloucester. Potter died in December 1943 at age 77.
