Celebrate Spring with the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection and Beatrix Potter

News item published on: 2021-03-30 10:03:00

The de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection has revealed some new acquisitions just in time for spring. Beatrix Potter, English author and illustrator of twenty-three animal tales, is the feature of the exhibit Peter and Friends! The Characters of Beatrix Potter (1900-1930), currently on display in McCain Library and Archives.

On view for the first time is a collection of hundreds of Potter’s beloved character figurines. In addition, a variety of Potter’s tea sets, dish services, silverware, jewelry, board games and collectibles are all on display along with many of Potter’s first edition titles dating back to 1900. The featured items reflect the public’s expansive love for Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton Tail.

Helen Beatrix Potter has entertained children for over a century with her beloved stories and illustrations that include The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies, The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan and The Tailor of Gloucester. An avid artist and naturalist, Potter’s characters first began as sketches in letters to cheer a sick child. The stories of Peter, the mischievous little rabbit, and friends grew and developed in these letters.

The de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection is one of the largest repositories of British and American children’s literature in North America. To view the exhibit or any other Beatrix Potter materials in our collection, visit the Brooks Reading Room on the third floor of McCain Library and Archives, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many of de Grummond’s holdings have been digitized for virtual access and can may be viewed here.

For more information about the exhibit, contact Brooke Cruthirds at Brooke.Cruthirds@usm.edu or 601.266.6182.