Eighty-eight first editions and rare books are included with prices ranging from £100 to £75,000.
Potter was born in London in 1866 less than half a mile from where the Fulham Road gallery now stands. She published her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, in 1901, though this exhibition includes examples of some of her earlier illustrations and self-published work.
Highlights in the exhibition include a first edition, first impression of The Tale of Peter Rabbit which Potter printed privately after it was rejected by a number of publishers. It is available for £75,000.
An inscribed copy of The Tale of Benjamin Bunny is priced at £15,000. A first edition, first impression, it includes a note in the author’s hand reading For Mrs Lord, with kind remembrances, from Miss Potter. Oct 1st, 1904.
Also included are versions of The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny and The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle.
All the works come from the private collection of an English bibliophile.
“Beatrix Potter’s books have thrilled generations of children and adults,” said gallery owner Pom Harrington. “I urge you to reacquaint yourselves with these tales from your childhood.”
Other upcoming events celebrating the author include a specialist auction at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury on Potter’s birthday, July 28.
