The Other Beatrix Potter [F-19-44]

Beatrix Potter is best known as the author and illustrator of children’s books. Born into wealth, Potter had a privileged and lonely childhood. Sometime before l902, she self-published her first book: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, which was picked up by Frederick Warne and Co and became an instant best seller. This book, and others, gave Potter fame, but more importantly, the income to live independently. Beatrix Potter was more than a children’s book author. She was an accomplished watercolorist, a historic preservationist, and a sheep farmer. After discussing her life, we will watch the film “Miss Potter” (2006), with Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor.

Peggy Mooers has presented numerous film classes for SOAR. Several years ago, she visited the Beatrix Potter museum in England, which houses the author’s book illustrations, and was struck by how few of Potter’s other watercolors there were, and how little of the rest of Potter’s life was presented. This class is an attempt to offer a more comprehensive view of Potter’s interesting life. Peggy Mooers (and her husband Dick) received the Super SOARer award in Spring 2008.

NOTE: Presenter’s suggested website: https://www.biography.com/writer/beatrix-potter

Cap: 50