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| Towns | Beatrix Potter Gardens |
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Location: Birnam Institute Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 10:00 - 16:00 Sun 14:00 - 16:00 "........oh it was always beautiful, home sweet home, I knew nothing of trouble then!" Beatrix Potter is celebrated around the world for her Peter Rabbit Tales. For nearly 90 years her delightful animal characters have enchanted adults and children alike and are more popular today than ever. 
Few people know of the importance and influence of Scotland on her life. For
twelve successive years during her childhood, Beatrix and her family enjoyed
long summer holidays in the Birnam area.
It was here that Beatrix and her brother Bertram were able to indulge their
passion for wildlife, after the constraints of life in London.
It was from Eastwood, Dunkeld in 1893 that Beatrix wrote to a young friend the amusing picture-letter which later became "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" 
and people she had met there inspired the loveable characters of Mrs
Tiggywinkle and Jeremy Fisher.
Beatrix Potter is renowned not only as an author and illustrator, but also as an eminent mycologist. During her residence in the Birnam area she met and formed a special friendship with Charles McIntosh - the Perthshire naturalist - sharing a mutual interest in fungi and wildlife. In the village of Birnam throughout the summer, The Birnam Institute houses a wonderful Exhibition telling the tale of this "Fascinating Aquaintance". The adjoining Beatrix Potter Garden magically recreates the lovely countryside which so impressed the young Beatrix - featuring flowers, fungi and characters which epitomise her relationship with the area. Footpaths lead you to Mr Tod and Mrs Tiggy-winkle's house, alongside the stream and pond where Mr Jeremy Fisher lives and to Peter Rabbit's Burrow. 
© The Perfect Solution Last updated November 1999 |