Discover the Mushroom Magic Behind Peter Rabbit 

Remember the story of Peter Rabbit? 

What if I told you that Beatrix Potter’s love of mushrooms is what made his story come to life?

You probably didn’t know about Beatrix Potter’s journey as a mycological artist and amateur scientist and how that culminated in a childhood storybook that so many of us were raised with.

Who Was Beatrix?

Born in 1866, Beatrix was a posh London girl with an obsession for nature. 

She took every possible opportunity to go on foraging expeditions, most especially during family holidays in Scotland and the Lake District. Any excuse to immerse herself in nature and soak up every detail of the flora and fauna around her.

She loved everything about the forest, most especially mushrooms. By the time she was in her early 20’s she’d become an amateur self-taught mycologist.

Not only did she collect specimens, run experiments, and make observations, but she also wrote a scientific paper on fungal spore germination. 

The Boys Club

During the late 19th century, science was pretty much a boys’ club, so she had to get creative. 

The problem was that she couldn’t present it herself because women weren’t allowed at scientific meetings. Sigh.

Beatrix was as sharp as any of the boys plus she was an artist too. Her fungal illustrations were so eye-catching that even the head mycologist at Kew Gardens, George Massee, was impressed. 

She drew hundreds of detailed watercolours that were both scientifically accurate and mesmerising.

You can see a photo of her as one of the first-ever female gardeners at Kew Gardens. These ladies are wearing here in what are called ‘knickerbockers’ as a way to discourage ‘sweet-hearting’ amongst the staff! 

Geez, we’ve come a long way, since then!

Not A Lady’s Game

Talent and skill were not enough then, and not only was the scientific community slow to accept her, but publishers weren’t willing to publish botanical books by women.

Problem solving is a creative endeavour so Beatrix got more creative. She would make greeting cards and illustrated letters with her botanical drawings. 

One of those creations was a short tale of a rabbit in a blue coat in 1893 in a letter to the sick child of her former governess. Then her friends urged her to send it to a publisher. 

They Said No, She Said Watch Me

The publishers ultimately rejected her story, which is when she decided to self-publish “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” in 1901.

Not only did she have the temerity and the audacity to self-publish but the huge success of Peter Rabbit gave her the financial independence she needed to continue pursuing her scientific interests. 

She subsequently published 5 more books between 1904 and 1912. 

Potter’s six books ended up selling over 150 million copies including many items of spin-off merchandise such as dishes, wallpaper, painting books, board games and dolls. 

After the first book in 1903, Peter Rabbit was the first ever fictional character to be made into a patented stuffed toy, which is now the oldest licensed character.

Over 120 Years Later

The legacy of Peter Rabbit lives on via the various activities available on his website that are sure to entertain your kids or the kid inside of you.

This story is particularly amazing for so many reasons. Its astounding success and long-lasting legacy decade after decade is another beautiful example of the ‘spores sporing’.

Her legacy lives on not only in our childhoods but also through the Beatrix Potter Society that is still running today.

The spores of the mushrooms she so loved as a young woman spread and captivated her imagination and then ours, year after year, generation after generation.

I love discovering how many legacy stories like these started in the forest and were inspired by the fungal kingdom.

If you want a stroll down memory lane, you watch the complete collection on YouTube. 

Sigh, now I’m tempted to go out and get myself some Peter Rabbit merch. I better stop myself as I could easily get carried away.

Did you grow up reading Peter Rabbit? If so, did you know about this back story?

Let me know in the comments below.

As always, 

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong. 

Asha ✨