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. \n \nThe 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 (190473) was an English engineer, collector, and scholar best known for deciphering Beatrix Potters secret code, written in an elaborate substitution cipher. His breakthrough revealed Potters 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. \n \nAccompanied 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. Potters enchanting tale of the little hedgehog washer woman. \n \nAn exceptionally scarce item, coupled with the first edition book. A superb association, the sketch having been owned by the definitive Beatrix Potter \n \n