100 Years of Beatrix Potter

Figures from the stories of Beatrix Potter are amongst the most popular collectables. Now the earliest Potter memorabilia attains official antiques status because 2002 marks the centenary year for the first commercial publication of The World of Peter Rabbit.

In celebration, The Original Peter Rabbit Books™ will be relaunched - the first totally new editions for over 50 years. Using state of the art technology, Beatrix Potter's stunning illustrations have been rescanned, producing images that are fresher, brighter and more detailed, giving the impression that the watercolour has been painted directly onto the page of the book. The paper has been changed to creamier stock, the text has been reset, and a bookplate added, and the endpapers and jackets redesigned, to give a fresh, but classic look to the series.

Picture letter written by Beatrix Potter to Noel Moore on 4th September 1893, about a rabbit called Peter.
Copyright © Frederick Warne & Co., 1946

Six additional original illustrations have been included in The Tale of Peter Rabbit, two of which have never before been printed, and four more which were dropped because of lack of space in the 1904 edition.

The patent certificate for the first Peter Rabbit toy, designed and patented by Beatrix Potter in 1904.

Beatrix Potter herself was enthusiastic about marketing her characters. In 1903 she designed and patented a Peter Rabbit doll, making him the world's oldest licensed character. Potter's goal was to provide high-quality merchandise, true to the originals. Beatrix Potter approved a range of producst, licensed by Frederick Warne, her publisher, including slippers, handkerchiefs and teasets. By the 1940s, major companies produced items under license including Wedgwood and Royal Doulton who are also current licensees.

For more on Peter Rabbit and other Beatrix Potter characters, visit www.peterrabbit.com.

Copyright © 2002 by Carol Fisher

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