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Why the Loch Ness Monster has humps by Beatrix Potter

Unpublished photos of Beatrix Potter, and a letter in which she explained why the Loch Ness Monster has humps, have been saved for the nation.

Famous for writing children´s books, including Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-duck, Beatrix Potter demonstrates a scientific knowledge of animals in the letter, which was obviously useful when she created such vivid fictional characters.

The author had a natural understanding of frogs, toads and newts, and was involved in many projects to protect and conserve the Lake District. She wrote, in 1934, to the author of a book on the Loch Ness Monster: “May I hazard a suggestion about the humps? These beasts- whatever they are – frequent deep waters. They are able to sustain immense variations of pressure. I suggest that the humps mainly result from a power of self inflation under a very elastic skin for the purpose of equalising pressure. Frogs and toads, especially the latter, have power of inflation. Toads let off acrid water. Their inflation is in the belly. But it is conceivable that this beast may have a very loose elastic skin round its body.” The letter was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum just before the release of Miss Potter in 2007.

The long lasting appeal of Beatrix Potter has seen The Tale of Peter Rabbit sell more than 40 million copies worldwide since it was first published at the turn of the last century. More than 2 million Potter books are sold every year, and the Miss Potter film saw a further rise in sales.

Potter left all her farms, cottages and land to the National Trust in order to help conserve the Lake District, and the Trust was closely involved with the production of the film, allowing filming at the properties in the Lake District.

The Victoria and Albert Museum also boasts an important Potter collection which attracts fans from all over the world, particularly Japan.

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