Pelt
Category
Natural History / Taxidermy
Date
c. 1892
Materials
Rabbit
Measurements
57.3 x 35 cm
Order this imageCollection
Hill Top, Cumbria
NT 642290
Caption
Children’s author and farmer Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) is best known today for her tales of beloved characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle. These anthropomorphic creatures found a home in the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District, while their likenesses often came from the menagerie of pets kept by Potter in her family home. Benjamin Bouncer, or ‘Bounce’, was purchased by Potter from a shop in Uxbridge around 1880. A tame Belgian Hare (a breed of domestic rabbit), Benjamin became her loyal companion, both at home, where he would beg for buttered toast at the sound of the tea bell, and on summer holidays. He became Potter’s model for her first foray into publishing when she produced a range of Christmas cards. Benjamin died in 1892 and this is thought to be his pelt, preserved by Potter – who was a skilled naturalist, accustomed to maintaining the skeletons of deceased pets – to aid the accuracy of her drawings. Benjamin was further immortalised in The Tale of Benjamin Bunny in 1904.
Summary
Pelt of a brown rabbit, laid out flat. This pelt is thought to be that of Beatrix Potter's pet rabbit 'Benjamin' and kept by her in order to ensure accuracy in her paintings of rabbits.