With Easter fast approaching, I’m showcasing my Beatrix Potter figurine collection of Peter Rabbit and friends.
There were three main producers of figurines; Beswick, Royal Albert, and Border Fine Arts. My collection of 18 porcelain figures were all made by Beswick.
In 1948, Beswick produced the original group of ten figurines from the author’s beloved series of children’s book. They proved quite popular, and by 1977 there were characters from all of Beatrix Potter’s tales.
Over 75 different porcelain figurines created in all. Each is based on Beatrix Potter’s classic, watercolor illustrations.
Today’s post is part of the Easter’s on Its Way blog hop hosted by Amber of Follow the Yellow Brick Home. Twenty-five in all! If you’ve come from my friend Rita’s uplifting Hope Springs Eternal post at Panoply, welcome!
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Classic Children’s Tales
As most of you know, Beatrix Potter was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist. She is best known for her children’s books featuring animals. In 1902, her first book was published.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit was expanded from an illustrated letter. Later, Potter went on to publish more than 20 tales and collections. I’m sure many of you have at least one of the little books at home?
Here, Mr. Benjamin Bunny is giving his son a spanking for venturing into Mr. McGregor’s garden.
Included in the first ten figurines of the series were reader favorites such as Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck.
Easter Basket Stuffers
Beginning as a young adolescent, I received a Beatrix Potter figurine in my Easter basket each year. Others were birthday and Christmas presents.
Lady Mouse was the first Beatrix Potter figurine I received for Easter. She’s my all-time favorite! I love how she’s holding a hand mirror in elegant attire, with a dainty toe peeking out,
A beautiful illustration of Lady Mouse appears in Beatrix Potter’s Christmas story, The Tailor of Gloucester (1903). She is briefly imprisoned under a teacup by hungry Simkin, the tailor’s cat.
Two other classic Beatrix Potter felines are Tom Kitten and Miss Moffet. Each is the title character of one of her tales.
Nursery Rhymes
After my first son was born, I displayed the collection on wall shelves in the nursery. Adjacent to the each Beatrix Potter figurine was the corresponding book the character appeared in.
Appley Dapply’s Nursery Rhymes (1917) features a little brown mouse and her friends.
Diggory, Diggory Delvet is one of several characters featured in the little anthology of seven limericks and poems.
Near and dear to my heart is the Amiable Guinea Pig. As a kid in 4-H Club, I raised five long-haired guinea pigs.
In Inca Legacy in Peru Sacred Valley, I explained my dismay at discovering guinea pig is a Peruvian delicacy. While preparing a meal there in an indigenous home, I had seen one in a cage. That made me nervous it would be a part of the menu in honor of my birthday!Â
Easter Hunt in McGregor’s Garden
Once the boys moved into their own larger bedrooms, we transformed the nursery into an office. So, my Beatrix Potter and Winnie the Pooh collections were packed up and put away for safe-keeping.
After coming across a Peter Rabbit sign kit, I pulled the figurines out of storage and incorporated them into a charming tablescape. Join the Easter Hunt in Mr. McGregor’s Garden yourself.
Of the dozens of tables and centerpieces I’ve shared on Debbee’s Buzz, it’s my all time favorite!
Recently, I discovered that Bogey Bunnykins is not a Beatrix Potter figurine. I had never looked on the bottom, until a reader asked the name of the character.
Bogey is the same size and scale (about 4 1/2″ tall) as the others. But, he’s made by Royal Doulton and from the Bunnykins book series.
Benjamin Bunny, however, is very definitely a Beatrix Potter hare. He tended to get into a lot of trouble; particularly in McGregor’s garden!
Peter Rabbit at the Table
In addition to my Beatrix Potter figurine collection, I have a Peter Rabbit children’s dish set and sterling silver baby spoon.
Someday, I hope to use it when grandchildren come to visit and pass it down in the family.
Younger son will inherit the engraved silver spoon with his name, date of birth, height and weight.
Each porcelain plate, bowl and cup includes illustrations and text from the classic children’s story.
More Mice Tales
In The Tale of Two Bad Mice (1903), Hunca Munca lives in a mouse hole with her husband, Tom Thumb, and their children.
Another of my favorites, this Beatrix Potter figurine is one of two styles featuring Hunca Munca. She holds a broom in another version.
The Tale of Mrs. Tiddlemouse (1910) features a wood mouse who lives in a “funny house” of long passages and storerooms beneath a hedge.
Her toad neighbor, Mr. Jackson, lets himself into her parlor, stays for dinner, and searches her storerooms for honey leaving a mess behind.
Friends, Brothers & a Hedgehog
My college roommate and BFF’s favorite character is Jeremy Fisher.
He and Alderman Ptolemy, a tortoise, are good friends in the Tale of Jeremy Fisher (1906). So does that make me the tortoise in this friendship, lol?
In a later story, The Tale of Pigling Bland (1913), a pair of brothers run into trouble when they go to the town market.
Another children’s favorite is The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle (1905).
It’s a delightful story about a little hedgehog washerwoman who lives in a tiny cottage, in the fells of England’s Lake District.
I hope you’ve enjoyed viewing my Beatrix Potter figurine collection. Which are your favorite stories and characters?
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Time to Hop Along
Today, twenty-four bloggers share Easter is on its Way ideas and inspiration. Now it’s time to visit with Carol, to see how she added touches of spring to her Red Painted Cottage.
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
What a great history and collection, Debbee! I can see why that Peter Rabbit tablescape was your favorite (and also a reader favorite in how well you styled it). This is definitely a collection worthy of passing through generations. Thank you for inviting us into the world of Beatrix Potter!
With all that’s going on in the world Rita, it was a nice trip down memory lane for me in creating the post. It was fun pulling the figurines out again. Since I have so many figures, I’m hoping to be able to pass a little grouping on to each family member someday.
Debbee, I just love how fun your table looks. All your nursery rhymes figurines are perfect for your theme. I just love visiting your home.
Well it was nice having you stop by Terrie — even if just for a virtual visit! The blog hop has been a nice way for us to get together, during a time when everyone is socially isolating. Have Wishing you a happy Easter!
Debbee, your tablescape brought back many memories. I collected Beatrix Potter figurines for my older daughter for years. When her first daughter was born, I backed them all up (along with the books and plates and mugs) and sent them to her. Now they are on Annabelle’s bookcase. What a wonderful collection to use and cherish. Thanks for the memories.
Carol, that’s so neat! I dream of seeing them in a grandchild’s nursery someday! How many figurines did you end up passing along? Have you ever shared them in a post? If so, I’d love to see!
Debbee, I’m absolutely smitten with your charming collection! Beatrix Potter is one of my favorites and your table couldn’t be cuter! Happy & healthy Easter!
So sweet to hear Cecilia, thanks! In all the years I’ve visited resale and antique stores, I’ve never spotted one of the figurines. Always keeping my eye out for one of the dozens of characters created.
Debbee, What a fabulous collection! I especially love how you made a tablescape by using these figurines. They’re all beautiful and it’s hard to choose a favorite.
The figurines are something I treasure. It took me an entire day to create that tablescape, and I enjoyed every second of it!
What an adorable collection…the figurines are so charming! Love! Happy Easter!
Thanks Linda! I love them all, but I do have my favorites — Lady Mouse, the Amiable Guinea Pig, and Jemima Puddleduck. If I could only keep three those would be the ones.
This is such a fantastic collection, Debbee! I love your tablescape so much too. It’s really neat how you incorporated so many fun pieces. Everything feels super festive and inviting! Hope you and your family have a happy and blessed Easter. Hugs, CoCo
Thank you CoCo. It really brightened my mood to bring the collection back out of storage and display it for Easter this year. Seeing all the figures brought back many happy memories of past Easters.
I thoroughly enjoyed each and every figurine. It was like a storybook had come to life! And I didn’t know you were in 4H! We raised rabbits and goats in FFA. Hope you have a wonderful Easter!
So glad you enjoyed viewing my porcelain storybook Cindy! I did mostly girl scouts, but did spend a year in 4H that I really enjoyed. Most of the other kids in 4H lived in more rural areas with farms, or had horses. I was a bit out of my element. How neat that you raised animals! One of my high school friends is raising goats in retirement and absolutely loves it.
Wow. These are darling. I have three and I treasure them. Peter Rabbit was one of my favorite stories to teach.
I sure hope future generations continue to love the story of Peter Rabbit and other other classics like Winnie the Pooh. Katie, you are one of the rare few I’ve come across that has any of the figurines. Which three do you have and how did acquire them?
Debee, it is such a joy to visit all of your sweet little figurines. You know I love Peter Rabbit and friends. I remember that lovely tablescape you styled with all of your Beatrix Potter figures in the past, but it is always nice to go back and visit it again. May you find joy in Easter and stay well and safe.
Chloe, you and I are kindred spirits on setting Peter Rabbit and Wonderland theme tables. Would love to pair my McGregor’s Garden centerpiece with your dishes and linens for a super, duper tablescape! Bringing out my figurines was a happy activity generating great memories. Happy Easter to you and yours too.
Your collection is so incredibly charming! This tablescape is one of my all-time favorites!
Aw, thanks so much Laura! Happy Easter to you!
A few years ago I bought a book about Beatrix Potter while traveling in Scotland. She was truly an amazing woman and I loved reading about her life. Your collection is a real treasure. Thank you for sharing and making me smile!
We were in Scotland a few years ago too Michelle — such a wonderful vacation! Do you have the name of that book? Since I have plenty of spare time, maybe I can get it on my Kindle? Am delighted my figurines could make you smile — we could all use more of those!
Debbee you have quite the collection! I love how you have used them around your home to create theme inspired settings. We love Peter Rabbit in our home so I had fun looking at all of your treasures. Have a wonderful Easter!
I am so fortunate to have them, but I can’t tell you how tempted I’ve been to add to the collection with purchases via eBay or Replacements — as if I have any place to store or display them lol! Wishing you a healthy April and happy Easter Kelly!
I am so in love with this post because I am so in love with the art and life of Beatrix Potter. Your collection is spectacular and I love how you incorporate it into your decorating, too. What treasures!
So you’re a BP fan too Jeanie? Her illustrations are what bring her stories to life, and I like how the figurines bring them off the page.
Thanks for the shout out Debbie!
You know, I got Jeremy Fisher years before we met in college, but for evermore I will always associate the cute little frog with you!
I do so love Beatrix Potter and her lovely children’s stories. Grouped they make a wonderful collection and work magic in a tablescape. I have a fondness and connection to one of her less well known characters and that is Pigling Bland…my maiden name was Bland and from a small child my nickname has been ‘Pigling’. If you could see my apron after eating spaghetti you might understand where the nickname came from! Enjoy the pieces that you own…wonderful!
Your story about your name and spaghetti made me giggle Alayne lol! So, you must have really enjoyed seeing Pigling in my post then Alayne? I think he’s adorable, carrying that stick and napsack over his shoulder. I always liked the figure Pig Wig too. I imagine you have the book at home?
Yes…I have copies of all Beatrix Potter’s books but Pigling Bland is an obvious favourite since he bore our family surname. I also have not one but two Pigling Bland figurines to grace the curio cabinet. I am afraid the ‘Pigling’ nickname has stuck long after childhood because no matter what I bake there seems to be an extra mess to cleanup!
Love, ? this post so much! I too started a Beatrix Potter collection for my daughter when she was born. I only got 3 musical figurines and the dinner set however. In our last move, one of the musical figurines of Tom kitten broke. Fortunate his main body remained in tact and I kept it . Last week I was trying to craft something for Easter with him and I dropped him and it shattered to pieces. Thank you for sharing this precious collection.
Rhonda, I’ve see the musical figurines and they are really special. So so sorry about poor Tom Kitten! When I bring my figurines in and out of the basement china, and up and down the steps, I’m always worried there will be a catastrophe — so, I only carry a few at a time. Benjamin Bunny actually has a chip out of him from way back, but I just turn it a bit. What are the other two you have?
What a great collection of Beatrix Potter figurines you have. I have always adored Beatrix Potter and if I had children, the nursery would have been Peter Rabbit themed, for sure.
Thank you Paula. In hindsight, I’m not sure why I didn’t do the nursery in a Beatrix Potter theme? Possibly because I also had Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear, and a few other classic storybook characters featured throughout. Back then, you also didn’t have Pottery Barn with all the theme specific bedding and decor either.
What a fabulous tablescape and such an amazing collection of figurines.
After I stumbled upon that Peter Rabbit egg hunt kit, I rediscovered the figurines I had packed away years before. Now, I try to bring them out at Easter every other year. Happy and healthy Easter to you Marty!
Fun to read some of the history of Beatrix Potter AND your collection. I love that you are saving your items for future grandchildren visits, along with handing them down to your family. Beatrix Potter is a classic, and I’m sure your family will cherish your collection!
I sure hope so Julie, as not sure my adult sons are that sentimental about my collection. Maybe more so after they start families. I do know they love that I’ve saved several shelves full of their favorite childhood books.
Debbee, I am so happy you showed each piece in a separate close up photo. Awesome collection. Happy Easter. Be well and hopefully, this too shall pass (sooner the better).
Always appreciate you taking the time to visit and comment Myrna. Nice to know you are doing OK.
Myrna, thanks for taking a looksy of my collection. It was a happy activity for me to pull out the figurines, conduct a photo shoot, and produce the post. Take care and stay healthy — and keep in touch.
Deb, it is fun to see and read about your sweet collection of these figures. In recent years, I’ve been buying them when I see them at thrift for almost nothing. My idea is to give them to my great nieces who are now 5 and 9. I’d like to have a Beatrix Tea Party and use them as decor, then let the girls each pick one to take home. Each time we have tea time, they get to select another figure. Do you display yours? if so, I’m interested in how you show them. I’ve been searching for a small closed cabinet or such since the girls are still young.
Sarah, how fortunate you have been to find BP figurines, and so reasonably priced! I wish! Never once have I found one. How many have you been able to find so far? I love your idea of teas with your nieces and such a generous gift. Once the boys grew out of the nursery, I packed the figures up. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I pulled them out to create the Beatrix Potter Easter Hunt in Mr. McGregor’s Garden. In the nursery, they were safe up from little hands on hanging wall shelves next to the little versions of the books.
I love Beatrix Potter and loved this post!! I have a collection too of these little figurines! They are just the cutest!! I am going to put them in my nursery!
We are kindred spirits Angelina! How many figurines do you have (do we have many of the same?) — did you get them as gifts, second hand or how? It’s nice having them out to enjoy again.
OK well I just went to look for them because I left them at my mom’s house AND apparently I have them… somewhere… I must have not unpacked them when we moved and now I have to go through all my storage bins! I suppose I have found myself a new project to take on while socially isolating…
Oh dear, that must be frustrating! Once you locate them, it should be fun to see them again. I know I enjoyed pulling the figurines out of storage to create this post.
Debee, these are all so sweet! What a great collection to treasure. I love those stories and loved reading them as a kid and as a parent to my own little ones! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Kristin. Although I’ve been tempting to acquire more figurines over the years, I decided not to. Because, these are part of my childhood, personal history, and that makes them all the more special.
Oh I want to touch each one of those very precious sweet figurines. I just love Beatrix Potter however never would let my self start another collection of these.
Janice, so nice to hear from you and that you enjoyed seeing the figurines. I do know what you mean about the temptation to acquire more stuff lol! As a plate addict, it’s particularly hard every time I participate in a tablescape hop.
Debee this has been such a delightful read! Oh my, I do not own any Beatrix Potter figures and now I will certainly be on the look out. They are so adorable, and I love the books. Thank you for introducing me to a few “new” stories to check out too.
Your tablescape is truly stunning, I hope you reshare it Easter after Easter!
Enjoy your special collection and have a blessed Easter!
Thanks so much Amber! It was a joy to bring out the figurines and take a path down memory lane. Something especially nice this year when it will only be my husband and I this year. My adult sons are in hard hit Manhattan and historic, central Philadelphia. It will be a Zoom family holiday this year. Hopefully next Easter, I will have a houseful and recreate Mr McGregor’s garden again. Thanks so much for hosting and bringing everyone together.
You have an amazing collection of Peter Rabbit! I have loved him for so long. I have a display of my things in our entry. Miss Potter is one of my favorite movies! Love that darling table display! Happy Easter. hugs, Jann
Have you posted pix of our Peter Rabbit display, Jann? Would love to see it. Glad you enjoyed seeing my figurine collection.
Your figurines are darling. Peter Rabbit is my favorite! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s.
I really treasure them Ann. All these years later, I still remember the anticipation, excitement, and enjoy of finding one in my basket each year.
Debbee, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your collection of Beatrix Potter characters. While her stories did not center around Easter, the characters are perfect for Easter decor. Happy Spring! Judith
A number of her stories actually take place at Christmastime, like the Tailor of Gloucester. But Peter Rabbit and friends are always popular at Easter.
What a gorgeous and fun table! I have always loved Peter Rabbit. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm Party. xo Kathleen
Thanks Kathleen, it’s my all time favorite but I’ve only created it once so far. Next year I hope to celebrate a grand Easter with family and recreate it using fresh flowers and plants.
I LOVE your collection, Debbee! You love so many things that I love too!! This is such a wonderful, adorable collection! I should have started one years ago like this. Thank you for sharing! Hugs, Tee
It’s always so nice to connect with a kindred spirit Tee! Never too late to start. You can find figures on eBay and Etsy I’m sure. Although, I wouldn’t try to purchase one during Easter season when the prices go up.
What an amazing collection. The mama mouse with her babies is my favorite. Thanks so much for sharing this at our Party in Your PJs link party.
After my sons outgrew the nursery, the figurines were all boxed up. Now, I bring them out every spring to enjoy through Easter. Wish I had the appropriate space to keep them on display all year. One day, I will pass them down to grandkids.
Debbee, I loved reading this post and linked over to the wonderful tablescape. Won’t repeat my comment left there, but suffice it to say, once again you and I are drawn to the same things. Thanks for sharing all these details. Happy Spring!
It’s lovely to know I have a kindred spirit out there Sarah! Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could meet in person one day?
Congratulations, you are being featured at this weeks Friday with Friends Link Party. I just love Peter and his friends, the figurines are so darn cute! Thanks for sharing your posts at the party.
Rachelle, I am so flattered to be featured! And, delighted to have the opportunity to share my collections on Friday with Friends.
Debbee, such a prized collection of wonderful little figures. I am happy to feature your sweet collections at Love Your Creativity on Sunday.
Appreciate you stopping by to see them Linda, and am delighted to be featured — thanks!
Debbee, I’m smitten with your Beatrix Potter collection! What a treasure you have! I love them all, but I’m partial to Jemima Puddle-Duck. I loved those stories so much as a child! Thanks for sharing at Celebrate Your Story! Link Party. You’ve been featured this week ?
It’s neat that we both are partial to the same character. I enjoyed the stories, but it was the illustrations that really captivated me. Happy Easter Rebecca!
Debbee, I am in love with your collection of Beatrix Potter figurines!!! Over New Year’s, when we drove down to see our daughter for a belated Christmas together, I brought her her two baby cups with Peter Rabbit on them. I think I still have the baby silverware set, though… For her bedroom, I had written to a company in England to order a set of Beatrix Potter wallpaper then I proceeded to cut them out and glue them onto light cardboard to pin in her bedroom (a rental apartment). I still have them!
Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you enjoyed the feature! Spring hugs from Mrs. McGregor’s garden, ;)’
Barb 🙂
Oh, I’ll bet that wallpaper was gorgeous, and how clever to cut them out! Would love to see them in a post sometime. Perhaps you could use them to set a table as I did in, Beatrix Potter Easter Hunt in Mr. McGregor’s Garden?