Helen Beatrix Potter was born in 1866 in Kensington. As a child, she spent a lot of time in the Lake District. It was here that she developed a love of the natural world which was evident in both her paintings and her writings. She illustrated insects, fossils, archaeological artifacts, and fungi, as well as animals - both real and from her imagination.
Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated The Tale of Peter Rabbit, which was published in 1901. A further 22 books in the Tales series followed. With the proceeds from the books Potter bought Hill Top Farm near Windermere, in 1905. She bought more land in later years in an effort to preserve the landscape she loved.
As well as being an author and illustrator, Potter was also a prize-winning sheep breeder. She continued to write and illustrate until her failing eyesight prevented her. She died in 1943 at the age of 77 and left almost all her land to the National Trust.
See how much you know about Beatrix potter and her creations in this quiz.