Weekend Pick: Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature at the Morgan Library

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

March is a month for bunnies, and with Easter coming up, we thought we'd head over to the gorgeous Morgan Library to check out the Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature exhibit. Potter's artwork, manuscripts, books, and artifacts will be on view until June 9th, though with bunnies on the brain, the time is right. 

We all know Potter's stories: Peter Rabbit, Mr. Jeremy Fisher, and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle --- wonderful tales of animals that blend realism and fantasy, with creatures that are skillfully drawn and look surprisingly human casting a fishing pole or pouring tea in a housedress. 

Included in the exhibit are Potter's preparatory sketches and watercolors, giving a look into her process. But what piqued our interest the most are the picture letters (some in miniature) that the storyteller and illustrator would write to children. In fact, the Morgan boasts the largest collection of these. 

Beatrix Potter (1866-1943), Miniature letters, 1905-12. Given by Lucie Carr. Copyright Victoria and Albert Museum, London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

The exhibit also delves into Potter's life growing up (she had 90 animals over her lifetime -- her rabbits Benjamin Bounce and Peter Piper found eternal life on the pages of her books as Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit!).

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

Potter summered in Scotland and the English Lake District, where she indulged her lifelong interest in the natural world. Potter studied botany and mycology, something that became even more prominent in her "second act" as a landowner (and sheep herder) in Cumbria, England. Potter bequeathed her 4000 acres of farmland in Cumbria, England, to the National Trust. 

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

Although this weekend would be the perfect pre-Easter visit, if you can hold off a couple weeks, you can enjoy the next Family First Saturday: Exhibition Tour and Storytime at the Morgan which will be April 6th from 11am-12pm. Recommended for families with children 4-8.

Beatrix Potter (1866-1943), Tailor of Gloucester endpaper, by Beatrix Potter, December 1903. Linder Bequest. Museum no. BP .460. Copyright Victoria and Albert Museum, London / courtesy of Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd.

CHALLENGE: After being inspired by Beatrix Potter, it's time to try your own hand at illustrative storytelling. (Parents and kids!) Write a picture letter like Potter was famous for writing to someone you know, take a snap and share it with us! 

*A picture letter is an illustrated letter that tells a story with little drawings interspersed throughout. See examples of Potters picture letters here for inspiration!