Drawn to Nature

JOURNEY WITH BEATRIX POTTER AT THE V&A FROM FEBRUARY 2022

Reviewing an exhibition of paintings in the Grosvenor Gallery in 1886, Beatrix Potter wrote in her Journal "What we call highest and lowest in nature are equally perfect. The willow bush is as beautiful as the human form, divine."

I wonder what she would make of the retrospective opening on 12th February 2022, at the V&A Museum, South Kensington, to celebrate her own life and works? One of the best loved children's authors of the 20th century(1866-1943), brought up just a few streets away, by the age of 8 she was already studying and recording insects and wildlife and made frequent visits to London's Natural History Museum to sketch their insect collection.

Running until September 2022, this family friendly 'immersive story-telling experience' entitled 'Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature' in partnership with the National Trust has brought together- two of the world's largest Beatrix Potter collections to lead visitors on a journey, not just through the characters in her 23 books (Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and co) but also her life's interests in the natural sciences, as well as farming and conversation.

With original illustrations, letters, photographs and other personal items on display, visitors will be able to explore the places and wildlife that inspired her writing and art, including paintings of some of the thousands of acres of countryside in the Lake District that she loved so much and bought (along with 15 farms) in an attempt to preserve them. These areas were donated to the National Trust on her death and around 100,000 people still visit her home, Hill Top Farm, each year.

Advanced booking is recommended - to visit and order tickets, which cost £14, please click HERE.