Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at The Morgan Library & Museum, February 23 – June 9, 2024

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“The Morgan Library & Museum is pleased to present Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature. Opening February 23 and on view through June 9, 2024, the exhibition tells the life story of Beatrix Potter, one of the twentieth century’s best-loved authors of children’s fiction. The exhibition is rooted in Potter’s relationship with the natural world, from the influence of the countryside in her youth to her passion for sheep farming and land conservation in adulthood. Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London, the exhibition brings together artworks, books, manuscripts, and artifacts from several institutions in the United Kingdom, including the V&A, the National Trust, and the Armitt Museum and Library. Paired with the Morgan’s exceptional collection of Potter’s picture letters, these objects show how her innovative blend of scientific observation and imaginative storytelling shaped some of the world’s most popular children’s books.” — The Morgan Library & Museum

Beatrix Potter, aged 15, with her dog, Spot, by Rupert Potter, about 1880 – 01. Linder Bequest. Museum no. BP.1425. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), Pencil drawing of a bridge scene and hares at play, 7 April 1876. Linder Bequest, Museum no. BP.741. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), Spring, Harescombe Grange, Gloucestershire, c.1903. Given by the Linder Collection. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), Sketch of the garden at Gwaynynog, Denbigh, probably March 1909, watercolour over pencil. Museum no. LC 27/B/3 . © Victoria and Albert Museum,
London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), Drawing of a walled garden, Ees Wyke (previously named Lakefield), Sawrey, ca. 1900. Linder Bequest. Museum no. BP.238. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

Mrs Rabbit pouring out the tea for Peter while her children look on, 1902-1907. Linder Bequest. Museum no. BP.468. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), Drawing of Appley Dapply going to the cupboard, 1891. Given by the Linder Collection. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London, courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd. and the Linder Collection.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), Mrs Rabbit shopping, design for Windermere Fund, 1927. Linder Bequest. Museum no. LB.1832. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), View of Monk Coniston Moor 1909. Linder Bequest. Museum no. LB.541. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

This exhibition at the Morgan is organized by Philip Palmer, Robert H. Taylor Curator and Department Head of Literary and Historical Manuscripts, and was created by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Images courtesy The Morgan Library & Museum.

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