Beatrix Potter - Wonderful Woman No. 96

Beatrix Potter - 1866–1943
British Children's Author, Illustrator, Natural Scientist and Conservationist

Added to the album by Kate, A Wonderful Woman

The lovely Beatrix Potter? [I] have all her books, loved her as a child and still love her today.
Kate

When we were children, our mother would read to my siblings and I every night. It was part of the routine; supper, bath, pyjamas, bed, book, goodnight. My sister, my brother and I all developed a love of books, which has stayed with us to this day. Not that I have had any children of my own but, as a teacher, I really feel this practise is so important to young lives, it opens up new worlds and a form of escapism. If children learn to love books, that's one of the greatest things they can love.

When we were young, my wonderful sister, Emma's favourite books were always the tales of Beatrix Potter.

In 1902, Beatrix's first story was published, The Tale of Peter Rabbit remains the most popular of thirty-three published books. Her stories usually centre around creatures of Beatrix's native British countryside; Mrs Tiggywinkle the hedgehog, Squirrel Nutkin and Jemima Puddle-Duck to name but a few. The stories were accompanied by wonderfully accurate drawings of the creatures, a skill Beatrix had learned while being home-schooled by governesses and then, unusually for a young woman of the time, studying natural sciences at college.

While studying science, Beatrix further developed a love of the natural world. She was interested in astronomy, studying archaeological findings and particularly in mycology. She spent much of her time as a student analysing and studying by microscope various fungi, interested in their germination and spores.

Drawings she created of fungi at this time can still be viewed in two British museums and though her career as a scientist never flourished, her drawings and findings are considered accurate and relevant, indeed in 1997 the Linnean Society issued a posthumous apology to Potter for the sexism displayed in its handling of her research - perhaps this sexism (not unlike that received by Gertrude Elion - Wonderful Woman No. 86 and Rosalind Franklin - Wonderful Woman No. 69) the reason her career took another path.

Beatrix was also a keen conservationist, with a particular passion for the preservation of The Lake District, where she bought, restored and preserved a number of farms. She also worked hard at preserving Herdwick Sheep, an indigenous species to the fells and because of this she was named President-elect of The Herdwick Sheepbreeders’ Association in 1942, the first time a woman had ever been elected to the position, she sadly died before being able to take the post.

An incredibly interesting and unique woman. A wonderful combination of science and art, a person who has brought joy into the lives of children and adults alike and one who loved and respected the world into which she was born.

Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest.
Beatrix Potter