Thumbnail of Biography of Beatrix Potter

Biography of Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) is still one of the world's best-selling and best-loved children's authors. She wrote and illustrated 28 books that have been translated into more than 35 languages and sold over 100 million copies. Born in Kensington, London, she later moved to Hill Top Farm in Cumbria and on her death bequeathed it, along with 13 other farms and over 4000 acres of land, to the National Trust.

Thumbnail of Illustrations for Dickens's novels

Illustrations for Dickens's novels

Some of the outstanding illustrators and artists of the day were recruited to provide images for Dickens's novels, often producing illustrations at short notice for forthcoming chapters.

Thumbnail of Beatrix Potter: nature's lessons

Beatrix Potter: nature's lessons

From the age of eight Beatrix Potter was studying animals and insects very carefully, sketching them in her book and recording minute details. She was a keen observer of nature and this carried across to her work. Not only were her animal illustrations accurate in their illustration, but her books also show that she was a realist when it came to nature: she knew animals kill other animals, that life was full of strong instincts and potential threat.

Thumbnail of Mrs Loudon & the Victorian garden

Mrs Loudon & the Victorian garden

Jane Loudon was to Victorian gardening what Mrs Beeton was to cookery. Her beautifully illustrated books on gardening and plant identification sold in their thousands and women all over the country were enthused enough by them to take up gardening as a hobby. She was one of the most successful of a number of talented women botanical illustrators who had mixed fortunes during their lifetimes. Now highly regarded, many of their works are in the collection of the National Art Library.

Thumbnail of Walter Crane cover design for ‘Illustrations of the Victorian Series and Other Wall-Papers’

Walter Crane cover design for ‘Illustrations of the Victorian Series and Other Wall-Papers’

This design for the cover of a book of wallpapers manufactured by Jeffrey and Co was created by Walter Crane (1845-1915) in 1887. This image shows a winged young man blowing a horn or trumpet, surrounded by swirling acanthus leaves. Walter Crane's monogram - his initials and a crane - can be seen at the bottom right hand corner of the design.

Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton

8 February – 22 April 2012

Featuring portraits of Queen Elizabeth II by royal photographer Cecil Beaton, this exhibition celebrates Her Majesty in her roles as princess, monarch and mother and coincides with the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

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Award-Winning British Design: 1957-1988

Award-Winning British Design: 1957-1988

Iconic designs - from wellies and bicycles to computers and street lights

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