Beatrix Potter: Her Lakeland Years

By WR Mitchell

Includes FREE bookplate signed by WR Mitchell, dedicated to the name of your choice. (What is this?)

The compelling story of the real Beatrix Potter, based on interviews with those who knew her. Spread over the 40 years that the author edited Cumbria magazine, these interviews recall memories stretching back to the time when Beatrix bought the now famous Hill Top farm at Sawrey in the heart of Lakeland. She was already internationally acclaimed for her series of ‘Peter Rabbit’ books and her local status was increased when she married William Heelis, a Hawkshead solicitor. The books gave her the means to purchase over 4,000 acres of land, which on her death in 1943 was bequeathed to the National Trust as her personal legacy to the Lake District.

The many archive and present-day photographs in this fully illustrated book place a new light on the Lakeland years of Beatrix Potter. Pride of place is given to the breed of sheep that she did so much to foster – her beloved Herdwicks.

"Bill reveals a little-known aspect of Beatrix’s life and times and unearths the essence of her as a person, not just a world-renowned children’s author...The book is beautifully illustrated with lovely photographs and drawings of Beatrix, from a young woman to old age, and archive and contemporary photos of her beloved landscapes."
Bradford Telegraph and Argus, 28th June 2010. To read the full article please click here

"[The book] presents an intriguing picture of a woman who was a respected artist and an expert on mushrooms, as well as a best-selling author. But at times she resembled nothing more than one of her own creations... This is Beatrix Potter by the people who knew her, who worked for her, called on her, talked to her."
Northern Echo, 13th July 2010. Click here to read the full article

"This book reveals much about Beatrix during the latter half of her life which she spent in the Lake District. By interviewing local people who knew Beatrix well, the author has compiled an insightful and fascinating portrait of his subject that also captures the essence of traditional Lakeland life."
This England, Autumn 2010

Yorkshire Post Magazine – article about the book appeared Sat 12th June
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