Peter Rabbit figurines and statuettes of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, amongst a whole host of other much-loved Beatrix Potter characters sit proudly on shelves across the globe. Collectors take delight in showing off their collectibles, and take the time to source more fancy figurines to add to their impressive assemblage.

When Beatrix Potter wrote her very first story – The Tale of Peter Rabbit, it’s hard to believe she had any inkling of how successful her colourful characters would become. There’s no doubt she adored creating her wildlife friends and was very keen to see them come to life. Whilst they lit up the pages of her many books, Beatrix Potter wanted more, she wanted to see her 2D creations leap off the page.

Not one to dally she set to work trying to make her own 3D figurines. Using clay and her own fair hands Beatrix moulded and shaped until the lumps resembled her favourite characters. She then got in touch with the renowned Royal Doulton in a bid to persuade them that producing the figurines on a grand scale would be a super business move. Unfortunately, Royal Doulton declined to get involved and Beatrix reluctantly shelved her plan.

It took ten years for the idea to spring back to life, when a Stoke-On-Trent company called Grimwades decided to create their own clay figurine of Jemima Puddle-duck, the waterfowl who spent much of her time feeling incensed that the farmer’s wife would not let her hatch her own eggs! The firm presented the figure to Beatrix to see what she thought of their design, but unfortunately, she didn’t like it at all. It seemed that the plan to create a collection of figurines based on her characters would never actually get off the ground.

Beatrix sadly passed away in 1943, and she never did get to see her characters made into figurines. But as we know, it did eventually happen and when the statuettes did finally hit the market, they became very popular, providing pleasure to Beatrix Potter fans and collectors everywhere.

So why do people collect? Collectors come from all walks of life, and each has his or her own reason for collecting. Some feel a sense of pride on attaining attractive objects, they simply enjoy looking at them and grouping them together. There’s also a sense of purpose, a drive to find the item you’ve been seeking, or discovering a new and interesting piece to add to the group. The search itself can be a great source of fun and allows collectors to meet all sorts of people and travel to many locations.

There’s also a sense of camaraderie between collectors. There’s a shared interest or common goal linking a set of people who otherwise may not have even met. You can showcase your collection to others, safe in the knowledge that they will be appreciative.  There’s also an element of competition to keep things exciting, who has the most coveted piece and who has the most attention-grabbing collection? There’s something to be said for being admired by our peers, and let’s be honest we all enjoy a little appreciation now and again! The amount you spend on a collection is up to you, some like to build the biggest collection possible, even taking over their own house with their collection. Others are more than happy with a handful of items, arranging them prettily on a shelf for their own self-gratification.

Collectors of Peter Rabbit figurines or other characters from the well-known stories often have a real interest in Beatrix Potter and a fondness of her tales. They may feel like they are holding onto history by assembling the characters they know and love.

Owning the figurines allows you to feel closer to the past and reminisce about the days when you sat with a cherished parent and listened to tales of the mischievous Peter Rabbit and his assortment of friends. Many collectors also look to the future, they like the idea that they are building a legacy that can be passed from generation to generation.

One thing’s for sure collecting can bring joy to those who engage in the pastime, and what better items to collect than Beatrix Potter figurines? From playful Peter Rabbit to the domesticated Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, you can amass an array of colourful and well-made characters to light up a dull bedroom or liven up a gloomy living room. Allow yourself to be transported to a happier place and take solace from your charming collection.