Five of our Favourite Beatrix Potter Quotes
The 28th July 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth!
Born in 1866, this extraordinary author, artist and conservationist has become one of the world’s most beloved storytellers, renowned for her wit; her entrepreneurial spirit; her conservation work for the British countryside; and her cast of charming animal characters including Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-duck, Squirrel Nutkin, Benjamin Bunny and Mrs. Tiggy-winkle.
Outside of her stories, Beatrix Potter’s journal entries and letters give us a wonderful insight into her world. Read our five favourite quotes from her below.
Image: Beatrix Potter, 1892.
1. With opportunity the world is very interesting.
Beatrix Potter's Journal Entry on 23rd February, 1896
Beatrix was nearly 30 when she wrote this journal entry, and while she had already written the letter that would inspire 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', she had not yet published any of her little white books. She was focussed both on her art and her science practice at this time (she was a skilled mycologist), but little did she know what lay ahead for her!
2. I hope the little book will be a success. There seems to be a great deal of trouble being taken with it.
From a letter written by Beatrix to her editor, Norman Warne, ahead of the publication of The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902.
We love this quote, and we’re very glad indeed that Beatrix's editor, Norman Warne, went to a great deal of trouble to publish our favourite book of all time!
3. I do so hate finishing books. I would like to go on with them for years.
From a letter from Beatrix Potter to Norman Warne in 1905.
We can relate to this quote about finding your passion and not wanting to stop when you've found your craft! Beatrix clearly spent a lot of time on her writing and illustration and enjoyed the process of creating the stories we still love today.
4. I do not resent older age; if it brings slowness it brings experience & weight… I have felt curiously better & younger these last 12 months.
From a letter than Beatrix Potter wrote to Caroline Clark, 1936.
In this letter to her cousin, Beatrix Potter talks about her attitude towards entering her seventies. At the end of her life, 7 years later, she would leave nearly all of her property to the National Trust. This is why we’re still able to visit her retreat, Hill Top, in the Lake District today, and one of the reasons why the area has been so well preserved.
5. I painted most of the little pictures mainly to please myself. The more spontaneous the pleasure, the more happy to result. I cannot work to order; and when I had nothing to say I had the sense to stop.
From a letter to Bertha Mahony Miller in 1940.
Last but not least, in this letter, we see that the joy of writing and painting was what led Beatrix Potter to create some of the most beloved characters in children’s literature. We think she would have been thrilled to see how adored they still are today!