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Beatrix Potter's connection to Perthshire's Dunkeld and Birnam may come as a surprise, even to her most passionate fans.
Born into a wealthy London family in 1866, Beatrix had a privileged yet solitary upbringing. As a child of the Victorian age, she spent much of her time in the third floor nursery of the staid family Potter Family home in Kensington with only a Scottish nurse and her imagination to amuse her.
But the Potters left London behind in the summer, often taking three-month breaks in Scotland. An alternative to Europe, the Scottish Highlands was a common destination for wealthy city dwellers to retreat to. From the age of four to age 15, Beatrix and her family stayed in an estate on the River Tay in Dalguise, Perthshire. Later, as a young woman, Beatrix spent a few more summers with her parents in Dunkeld and Birnam.
The untamed childhood summers spent in Perthshire nurtured Beatrix's creativity. She and her little brother Bertram were free to explore the wild Scottish countryside, indulging their interest in the natural world. This time spent immersed in nature had an enduring influence on Beatrix's development as an artist, scientist, and writer.
Even after the family began to spend their summers in the Lake District, The Potters returned to Scotland. It was in 1892, while the family was at staying at Heath Park in Birnam, that Beatrix first met a local man of many talents named Charles MacIntosh. Beatrix's interest in natural history as well as her love of drawing and painting had turned to mycology, the study of fungi. MacIntosh, a self-taught naturalist and associate member of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science, shared her interest and together they established a lasting collaborative correspondence. This friendship bolstered Beatrix's passion for science and revealed her remarkable artistic talent.
In 1893, while staying in Dunkeld's Eastwood House, Beatrix wrote a 'picture letter' to the young son of her former governess. The letter became the basis for her first book 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'. A later book 'The Tale of Jeremy Fisher' also started life as a picture letter, with characters clearly based on her study and exploration on the banks of the River Tay. Additionally, The tale of Mrs Tiggy Winkle' is thought to be inspired by the Potters' washer woman at Dalguise, Kitty MacDonald of Inver.
Browse a wide selection of Beatrix Potter themed merchandise in our Gift Shop from books & stationery to candles & jewellery.

Discover Beatrix Potter’s remarkable connection to Highland Perthshire and the landscapes and people that inspired her life and work in our charming exhibition at Birnam Arts
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Enter an enchanting natural world where Beatrix Potter’s stories come to life. Discover delightful character sculptures, crafted benches and hidden surprises - part of the Beatrix Potter™ Perthshire Experience at Birnam Arts.
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Great exhibition and performance spaces. Lovely terrace and indoor seating with lots of light. Great food and drinks and even a garden next-door for a stroll afterwards. Like
John Kirkwood | Google Reviews
Compact Arts & Conference Centre, it is also the exhibition centre for Beatrix Potter with an adjacent themed garden. The centre has a cafe with indoor / outdoor seating areas. Throughout the year the arts centre hosts a variety of different acts, shows, talks & exhibitions.
Simon Hawkes | Google Reviews
There are two dedicated accessible car park spaces directly in front of the venue. There is a gentle slope from street level up to the accessible entrance.
Using the touch pad, enter via the large glass doors to the right of the main entrance.
There are two Accessible Toilets within the venue, one on each level.
There are ramps situated throughout the building to enable easy access from the Café to the Box Office and Shop, as well as on the first floor to go from the Gallery to the Meeting Room.
There is a lift between the ground level and first floor.
View our floorplan for more
detailed information.

Our Shop has a unique selection of gifts sourced both locally and from throughout Scotland. With a range of design, jewellery and craft items there’s a little something for everyone. We also stock the largest range of Beatrix Potter merchandise in the country.
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Located in the heart of Birnam Arts, our café is the meeting place and gathering space for everyone, from local friendly faces to new visitors from far and wide.
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Birnam Arts delivers a programme of monthly exhibitions showing work by artists at varying stages of their careers within both solo and group exhibitions.
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