On July 28th in 1866 Helen Beatrix Potter was born. She lived to be 77 years old.
This little rabbit made her famous with The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
“I don’t know what to write to you, so I shall tell you a story about four little rabbits whose names were Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter….”
“And that – a letter to a small boy called Noel- was the beginning of the Beatrix Potter Books.”
I started my Beatrix Potter Collection in the summer of 1973 while touring England. I bought the Biography The Tale of Beatrix Potter by Margaret Lane in Oxford July of 1974.
Here is my collection of Beatrix Potter figurines to date in the following collages…
I bought most of the figurines in England in 1973 and 1974.
Dear and I bought two full sets of Beatrix Potter Story Collection at Foyle’s in London and had them shipped home to us. One set for us and one set for our first niece born in 1973, Jenna. I suppose technically she wasn’t my niece until Dear and I were married in December of 1974. You can see our set is well used and loved.
The fun story behind The Tale of Little Pig Robinson revolves around our firstborn son, Josh. We would let him pick a bedtime story for us to read to him each night and he caught on real quick that The Tale of Little Pig Robinson is one of the longest tales in the Beatrix Potter collection. He’d request it each night to extend the time before bedtime! Each of our three children are brilliant in their own way…
In the summer of 2014, Dear and I made a 40th anniversary trip to England and on this trip we spent an afternoon in Gloucester and of course had to visit this sweet shop close to Gloucester Cathedral.
We knew about this shop in Gloucester and were determined to visit it while we were in Gloucester 41 years after I started my collection. 
There are lots of shops relating to Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit in England.
This shop had a lot of fun displays filled with memorabilia.
I’ve enjoyed all these books about Beatrix Potter. The latest book I received was from Josh and Laura, Beatrix Potter’s Gardening Life. The book on Beatrix Potter’s Derwentwater was a great resource for a walking trip we took with good friends in 2006 staying at a farm on the Derwentwater for a few days during our time in Great Britain. So sad that while we were in the Lake District we didn’t visit Hilltop! Maybe on a future trip we’ll take the time to visit.
This was a sweet surprise from my mother when they sorted through my dear Babushka’s apartment after she died. I sent her this postcard trying my best to communicate in Russian from England in 1973. In 1973 and 1974 Dear and I toured England and beyond singing with a Christian Rock Band. I share this here even though it’s not directly linked to Beatrix Potter but it was during the summer where my love for all things Beatrix Potter started!
Hard to believe we are in the last full week of July. Our July has been a wonderful mix of things at this old house. Our last weekend will be full of time with our three brilliant children and their fabulous spouses. Oh and there will be a first at this old house because our kids from Eastern Washington are bringing their dog along with them to our pet free home.
She’s a sweet dog and we are flexible. There will be work, food and sports involved this weekend.
I’m linking up to Foodie Friday and Everything Else at Rattlebridge Farm.
Interesting post. My husband has a Beatrix Potter baby mug.
Ena https://prettyplusandproud.wordpress.com/
What a very sweet post and wonderful photos! I did not realize that I have Sally Henny Penny. She caught my eye sometime ago in a antique story.
Love, love LOVE Ms. Potter! I have been to the museum in Gloucester and have the entire set of book too. Your collection of figurines is just charming.
Darling figurines…an enviable collection!
I did not realize how large a collection of Beatrix Potter could be. There is something whimsical about these figurines and books and I love the memories you have to go with them.
I love that you love Beatrix Potter, I love her too!! I don’t have any “original” books, but I have been collecting the gold centenary editions as they have been published and went to see an exhibition of her work recently which was fabulous! Happy Birthday Beatrix and happy to have found another fan of hers!
Happy birthday, Beatrix! Wonderful post!
Have fun with your kids and the doggy!
We are Beatrix Potter fans here too! Her sweet stories are timeless!! Loved this post about Miss Potter and your family memories!
I always feel sad when I hear of children who have grown up without those wonderful stories. What a wonderful collection you have!
Dear Ellen:
Wow – what an amazing collection of figurines. I had 12 and just gave one away in an exchange for Beatrix Potter’s birthday. Your collection is incredible. You are so blessed to be able to visit so many places! Wonderful posting.
Hi Ellen:
Love your sweet Beatrix Potter collection.
I have not read the books but I think I have seena movie. Not sure though. 🙂
Hello, what a wonderful collection. I have read some of Beatrix Potter’s books. Enjoy the visit with the family and dog. Have a great weekend ahead!
What a sweet collection Ellen! So many memories are part of it as well. Have fun this weekend with your fam jam and pooch!!! Can’t think of a better way to spend the weekend.
Oh I LOVED seeing your collection of Beatrix Potter figurines and your wonderful set of well-loved Tales! I had to chuckle at your son picking his favorite based on the length 🙂 I’m so envious of your trip and walk too… a return trip to visit Hilltop is a must!
I so enjoyed your post. I’ve just returned from a week on Cape Cod. I was fortunate to attend the Beatrix Potter Birthday Celebration there in Brewster. You’ve a wonderful collection of the figures. Ms. Potter was an incredible individual, and her legacy continues on. 150th years!
I’d love to visit Hilltop. When my husband and I visited the Lake District in the 1980s I didn’t know to go visit. ;-( I do think a return trip should be planned.