Never published Beatrix Potter illustration to go on display at V&A

A rarely seen illustration from Beatrix Potter’s Kitty-in-Boots is to go on display for the first time ever at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Kitty-in-Boots is a little known Potter tale that was never published, though the author had made a start on a number of drawings. Despite this, until recently, only one finished drawing and two rough sketches were known about.

However, a private collection contacted the V&A and the illustration, pictured above, was discovered. The unpublished image will be on display throughout May, as part of celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Potter’s birth.

Later in the year, the museum will host Beatrix Potter’s London, which will explore the relationship between the author and the capital, including how the city influenced her career.

The V&A houses the world's largest collection of Beatrix Potter's drawings, manuscripts, correspondence, photographs and other Potter material.