Beatrix Potter: The Picture Letters at The Morgan Library & Museum November 2, 2012-January 27, 2013

Beatrix Potter with Benjamin Bouncer, September 1891 Cotsen Children’s Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Princeton University Library Photography: Princeton University Library

I thought I would bring this exhibit to you, my dear readers and friends. So, here are the contents of the exhibit containing two of Beatrix Potter's letters written to children she knew 1892-1905. Also included some of her watercolors, illustrations, photographs, etc. 

On display for the first time are twenty-two letters from the Morgan, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, and the Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University. Also you will find the Potter family photo albums sadly under glass. I would have loved to been able to hold them in my hands and just look over every black and white photograph. There was a board game as well. I had no idea one existed!

As a life long reader and admirer of Beatrix Potter visiting this exhibit felt like visiting old family friends; though long since gone never truly far away! I first met Peter Rabbit at the age of three and we've been fast friends ever since! For you, dear reader, will be able to meet the 'pioneer' illustrator and writer of the Victorian era, Helen Beatrix Potter, you will get a glimpse into one aspect of her writing life through her own words, illustrations and her treasured children's books.

So, for those who could not make it to Gotham to see the exhibit, come along with me and I hope you enjoy yourself!

 Bertram Potter, Annie Carter (later Mrs. Moore) and Beatrix Potter with Spot, 1883 Cotsen Children’s Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Princeton University Library Photography: Princeton University Library.

 Beatrix Potter with Her Pet Mouse Xarifa, 1885. Cotsen Children’s Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Princeton University Library Photography: Princeton University Library.

 
SURVIVING LETTERS FROM BEATRIX POTTER

 Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) Autograph letter to Noel Moore, February 4, 1895; p. 2 and 3 The Morgan Library & Museum, New York. MA 2009.2 Gift of Colonel David McC. McKell, 1959

 

Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) Autograph letter to Noel :Moore, March 11, 1892; p. 2 and 3  The Morgan Library & Museum, New York. Gift of Colonel David McC. McKell, 1959.

Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) Autograph letter to Noel :Moore, March 11, 1892; p. 1 and 4 The Morgan Library & Museum, New York. 

Gift of Colonel David McC. McKell, 1959.

 Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) Autograph letter to Eric Moore, August 21, 1892 Cotsen Children's Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Princeton University Library. 

 Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) Both illustrations from an autograph letter to Molly Gaddum, October 11, 1895 Cotsen Children's Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Princeton University Library.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) Autograph letter to Noel Moore, March 4, 1897; pages 2 and 3 The Morgan Library & Museum, New York. MA 2009.10 Gift of Colonel David McC. McKell, 1959 

  Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) Autograph letter to Marjory Moore, March 13, 1900; p. 2 and 3. The Morgan Library and Museum 2009

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) Autograph letter to Margaret Hough, February 22, 1905 Cotsen Children's Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Princeton University Library.

 Beatrix Potter watercolor she did Fawe Park Garden, 1903, Private Collection

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) Cinderella’s Coach with Rabbits. 1899 Pen and ink and wash Private Collection 

This was a major exhibit and these items above are just the highlighted ones. This is turning into a very long post, so I think I will leave it there.

 

Beatrix Potter with her dog 

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