RARE Beatrix Potter items valued at more than £3,000 are to be auctioned next week by a mystery seller who pledges to donate all proceeds to popular charity, Jo's Appeal.
A handwritten letter dated November 27, 1929 explaining why Miss Potter did not publish 'The fairy Caravan' in the UK is open to bidders alongside a first edition of the story.
Both items are estimated to sell for around £2,000.
Speaking on behalf of 1818 Auctioneers, Emma Dewhurst said: "The whole thing with Jo's Appeal is that it is about her legacy which lives on regardless. She still has a presence and an impact.
"In this day and age we don't just sell to people sitting in the room but to people on the other side of the world and that has a huge impact on how we sell things.
"The main thing is the more we get, the more goes into the appeal."
Related article: Rare Beatrix Potter book is from print run of 500
Also included in the sale is a volume of The Tale of Johnny Town Mouse, signed by Potter with a dedication to a Robin Crossley, dated September 12 1923.
This piece is also valued between £1,500 and £2,000.
The seller, who wishes to remain anonymous, wants to donate all of the money to the fund which set up in honour of popular Evening Mail journalist Jo Davies.
Mrs Davies was first diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer in January 2010.
Expert David Brookes from 1818 Auctioneers, near Milnthorpe, said: "With this year being the 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter we are really pleased to have two special lots up for sale that chart some of her local connections and her publishing history.
"Like The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Fairy Caravan was written by the author for her friends and her own entertainment, and not necessarily for publication.
"Whilst Beatrix was happy to see it published in America the letter makes it very clear that she didn’t want it on sale here."
The Fairy Caravan was later reprinted and released in Britain in 1952.
It follows the adventures of Tuppenny, a young guinea pig who runs away from home to join a travelling circus and is set in the Lake District.
All items are available for pre-sale viewing on today (October 1) from 10am at 1818 Auctioneers.
The sale will take place on October 3 and further details can be found at www.1818auctioneers.co.uk
Related article: Jo's legacy lives on with £20,000 gift for cancer research
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