Beatrix Potter – The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle – A Unique Preparatory Sketch Used on Page 22 of the Book

A preparatory sketch for 1905 first edition of ‘The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’ depicting Mrs Tiggy-Winkle taking something out of the clothes basket, pencil on paper, mounted, framed and glazed, image to view 160 x 135mm., [c.1904-5]. The illustration itself appears on page 22 in the 1905 edition.

The provenance dates to Christies 2005 sale, ‘British and Continental Watercolours,’ lot 330, with the provenance “Given by Leslie Linder to the present owner in 1965”. Linder (1904–73) was an English engineer, collector, and scholar best known for deciphering ‘Beatrix Potter’s secret code’, written in an elaborate substitution cipher. His breakthrough revealed Potter’s private journals, offering new insight into her life, creative process, and inspirations. Linder became the leading authority on her work, publishing ‘The Journal of Beatrix Potter’ and donating an extensive collection of Potter manuscripts, drawings, and artefacts to the Victoria and Albert Museum, helping preserve her legacy for future generations.

Accompanied by a first edition, first printing published by Warne in 1905. A very good copy with rubbing to the spine tips and to the corners. With the date to the title page as well as ‘How Keld’ to page 20. With one gift inscription to the prelims and two solicitor stamps. Potter’s enchanting tale of the little hedgehog washer woman.

An exceptionally scarce item, coupled with the first edition book. A superb association, the sketch having been owned by the definitive Beatrix Potter