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Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) was a writer, artist and conservationist. Her children’s stories, which she wrote and illustrated, began as letters to a child. The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1901) was followed by 23 further tales featuring celebrated animal characters that have become classics of children’s literature.
In contrast to her international fame as a children’s author, Potter spent more of her life farming than writing. This portrait by her neighbour Delmar Banner shows her as a respected breeder and judge of Herdwick sheep at an agricultural show. Passionate about preserving the landscape and culture of the Lake District where she lived for much of her life, Potter later bequeathed her 4000 acres of land to the National Trust.
National Portrait Gallery, London
Given by Delmar Banner, 1948
© National Portrait Gallery, London
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