Beatrix Potter and a Guest from Australia

Guest speaker Anthony Macleod first got in touch in November, when he wrote to Centrepoint to ask whether there were any events that he might attend while visiting Basel from Australia over the Christmas break. It was the discovery that he was an art teacher and even had a Beatrix Potter presentation on his website that made me, Bronwen Saunders, as Talks Coordinator, spring into action. Would he perhaps like to do an event himself – for example, by giving a talk on Beatrix Potter? Much to my delight, Anthony very graciously assented.

Scheduling at Centrepoint was so difficult that I reserved a slot I couldn’t attend. The following review compiles attendees’ feedback, with thanks to the volunteers who ran the evening in my absence and to Tony, whom we hope to welcome again from Australia.

Anthony’s talk provided a new perspective on this amazing woman. I had not appreciated what a maverick Beatrix Potter was, beyond her skills as an artist and author. Her work as a self-taught natural scientist is truly inspiring, and I learned that she played a significant role in land conservation and supporting the local agricultural economy in the Lake District of England (which I had to look up on a map!). I always loved reading her books to my daughter, and now I have a renewed respect for her accomplishments. – Roxane Baxter

It was wonderful to see again the beautiful illustrations that I enjoyed so much as a child while reading my Beatrix Potter books. Anthony’s “artist’s eye” allowed me to look at them from a fresh perspective, adding a new layer of interest. – Maryann Barnacle.

I enjoyed Anthony Macleod’s talk very much. I learnt when Beatrix Potter was born (1866) and died (1943), and that she lived in Kensington until one day she “fell in love” with the Lake District, where in 1905 she bought Hill Top Farm. Anthony Macleod, who understands art and is a fan of Beatrix Potter, visited this farm and was able to show us photographs of the farm and the beautiful surroundings, which so inspired her. He also showed us pictures from some of Beatrix Potter’s famous works, like Peter Rabbit, explaining how well-composed and endearing they are.

Beatrix Potter worked with watercolours and crayons, developed her own style, and was ambitious to win recognition as an artist, which she did! Her success also made her wealthy, and she made generous contributions to local organisations which needed support. – Carole Holeiter.

For me, Anthony’s talk provided both an interesting insight into the life and influences of Beatrix Potter and an appreciation of her illustrations and pictures as an artist. It was a nostalgic reminder of the books and stories that I loved as a child. – Steve Barnacle

I enjoyed the talk very much. Learning about Beatrix Potter’s life deepened my appreciation for her books. She grew up in the country, and she and her brother were very interested in animals of all kinds; they collected them and kept some as pets. What surprised me was that Peter Rabbit was indeed her favourite pet. We even saw a photo of her and Peter. Loved it. And of course, for me, as someone who enjoys watercolour painting, I was quite taken by her renditions of plants and animals. To me, they were soft and caring. Kind of strange words to describe paintings, but that’s what comes to mind. – Michelle Stropoli