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