What to expect
A Seminar by Assoc Prof Dr Penny Bradshaw, Associate Professor of English Literature
In this seminar we will consider a selection of texts by Beatrix Potter, looking in particular at her construction of the Lake District and the natural world within these tales. We will discuss a range of ideas relating to her representation of animals, her use of the talking animals genre, and at the ways in which these texts might help to encourage an early environmental awareness in the child reader. We will be looking at a range of Beatrix Potter's Tales so it is recommended that you read a selection of these in advance and bring along copies where possible. Suggested titles to read include: Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck, Mrs Tiggywinkle, Tom Kitten, Mr Jeremy Fisher, Johnny Townmouse, Flopsy Bunnies, and Squirrel Nutkin. Online editions of the Tales are available here if you do not own hard copies. We will also be discussing 'The Fairy in the Oak', the last chapter of Potter's The Fairy Caravan (1929), so please read this in advance as well. Again, this text can be read online if you do not own a hard copy (see pp. 216-225 here).
About Dr Penny Bradshaw
Dr Penny Bradshaw is an Associate Professor of English Literature at the University of Cumbria. She is theme lead for areas of research relating to Cultural Landscapes within the University’s Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas. She is also programme leader for the University's MA in Literature, Romanticism, and the Lake District. Penny specialises in regional literary contexts and place writing. Recent publications include Ann Radcliffe’s Observations During a Tour to the Lakes (2014) and two literary tour guides: A Literary Walking Tour of Ambleside (2016) and A Literary Walking Tour of Carlisle (2023). Penny is currently writing a book on Beatrix Potter.
Event location:
University of Cumbria
58 East India Dock Road
London
E14 6JE
Closest stations:
Westferry (DLR) 4 minutes’ walk
Canary Wharf (Elizabeth Line) 15 minutes’ walk
Bus routes:
University of Cumbria London, served by routes 15, 115, D6
What is a seminar?
Seminars, held in person, are opportunities for attendees to engage with a leading expert in the field. These are interactive sessions with opportunities for discussion lasting for approximately two hours. Please note that there are no catering services on campus for the seminars and attendees are invited to bring their own provisions.