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Though beloved author and artist Beatrix Potter passed away over seven decades ago, her legacy continues to expand in 2016 with the unearthing of new works. Earlier this year, a never-before-seen manuscript from 1914 was released, and now Artnet reveals that four of Potter's illustrations were found concealed within books at the National Trust's Melford Hall.
The sketches, depicting a doorway, bedroom, fireplace, and rooftop, were uncovered during a preservation initiative at the estate. Potter was a regular visitor to Melford Hall, which remains under the ownership of her relatives, the Hyde Parker family. As noted on the National Trust website, Potter often visited her cousin at the Hall, with her stays recorded through guestbook entries and drawings. However, no one anticipated her artwork had been quietly hidden within the house for decades.
"While rearranging a bookcase with a colleague, we stumbled upon a drawing tucked inside one of the books. It was unmistakably in Potter's signature style, and we instantly recognized it as her work," stated house manager Josephine Waters.
Waters is acknowledged for uncovering three of the sketches, with Lady Hyde Parker finding the fourth. "It was an utterly electrifying experience," Waters remarked. "I recall feeling chills as we grasped the significance of our discovery. Working with such a remarkable collection was truly a dream realized."
A display showcasing the rare illustrations will debut at Melford Hall on July 13 and continue through the final week of October. This year commemorates the 150th anniversary of Potter's birth, and the exhibition is among numerous events the National Trust has organized to celebrate the milestone.
