Illustrations
Illustrations are rife with models from Potter's real life. Potter's farm horse Diamond was the model for the carrier's horse and her husband's friend Dr. Parsons was the inspiration for Johnny Town-Mouse. The two men had a private golf course built at Sawrey and Johnny Town-Mouse is shown toting a bag of golf clubs in the book's cover picture. The town mice live in the house of a Mr. Bolton at Hawkshead, a village two miles distant from Sawrey. Bolton received vegetables every week from Sawrey and sent back laundry. A Mrs. Rogerson of Sawrey was the model for the housemaid and the illustration of the archway was drawn from life. Potter owned an early edition of Gerard's Herbal and Timmy Willie's herb pudding was probably Easter Ledger Pudding of bistort, dandelion, lady's mantle and other springtime herbs. The dish remained popular in the Lake District well into modern days. Potter's failing eyesight forced her to discontinue painting after Johnny Town-Mouse.
Read more about this topic: The Tale Of Johnny Town-Mouse