Helen Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist. She is best known for her children's books featuring animals such as the Tales of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny and Tom Kitten.

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At a young age, Beatrix was educated by governesses and grew up isolated. Numerous pets and holidays in both Scotland and the Lake District developed her love for landscapes, flora and fauna, all of which inspired her when she closely observed and painted.

 

Beatrix's main interests lied on scientific mycology, drawn to the colours of fungi and she enjoyed painting them. After meeting fellow amateur Charles McIntosh in 1892, the accuracy of her drawings improved with his teachings as he also taught her taxonomy and supplied her with live specimens to paint. When winter arrived, her scientific curiosity increased with wondering how fungi reproduced. She began sketching microscopic drawings of fungus spores and in 1895 developed a theory of their germination.

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In a generation where women had little opportunities for higher education, Beatrix's studies and her passion for using watercolours in fungi sketches led to her being widely respected in the field of mycology. Her papers have only recently been rediscovered, along with her artistic illustrations and drawings, and are now being fully evaluated. Mycologists still refer to her sketches to identify fungi today.