A Dashing Anniversary: Celebrating 120 Years of Mr. Jeremy Fisher™
Welcome to the pond’s edge, dear friends! We are often swept up in the mischievous adventures of a certain blue-coated rabbit. But today, we are turning our attention toward the lily pads and the gentle ripples of the pond.
This year is a momentous one for one of literature’s most dapper amphibians. 2026 marks the 120th anniversary of The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher. First published in July 1906, this charming story has paddled its way into the hearts of generations, proving that you don’t need fur or ears to be a true English gentleman.
The Frog Who Refused to Catch a Cold
If you’ve ever found yourself caught in a sudden Lakeland downpour, you might relate to Mr. Jeremy Fisher. Unlike many of Beatrix Potter™'s characters who live in cosy burrows or tidy cottages, Jeremy lives in a 'little damp house amongst the buttercups at the edge of a pond'.
What makes Jeremy so endearing is his optimistic — if slightly accident-prone — nature. He is a frog of simple pleasures: he loves the rain, he enjoys getting his feet wet, and he never catches a cold. Despite a day that includes a prickly water-beetle, a snap from a trout, and the loss of his galoshes, Jeremy still ends his evening hosting a dinner party with his friends; Sir Isaac Newton and Alderman Ptolemy Tortoise.
The History Behind the Lily Pad
Did you know that Jeremy’s origins actually date back even further than 1906? Beatrix Potter first conceived of the ‘fishing frog’ in a series of letter-sketches in 1893. She even sold some of these early designs as a holiday card set titled ‘A Frog he would a-fishing go’.
However, it wasn't until after the massive success of The Tale of Peter Rabbit that she decided to bring Jeremy into her ‘little white book’ series. The setting of the story is deeply personal; while she originally based it on the River Tay in Scotland, she eventually shifted the landscape to Esthwaite Water in the Lake District.
If you look closely at her original illustrations, you’ll see the scientific precision that Beatrix was known for. Her frogs aren't just cartoons; they have anatomically correct turned-out feet and are surrounded by meticulously rendered water plants. It is this blend of scientific accuracy and playful storytelling that makes her work so special.
Still Going Strong 120 years later.
You might wonder why a story about a frog trying to catch minnows for dinner remains a bestseller 120 years later. We believe it's because Jeremy represents the spirit of the great outdoors. In an age of screens and schedules, Jeremy reminds us of the quiet thrill of a day spent by the water.
The Gentlemanly Aesthetic: With his red jacket and ‘smart’ waistcoat, Jeremy is a style icon.
The Value of Friendship: Despite his disastrous fishing trip (resulting in a dinner of roasted grasshopper with ladybird sauce instead of trout), he remains a gracious host.
A Love for Nature: The book is a love letter to the wetlands, teaching children to appreciate the ‘creepy-crawly’ side of nature with curiosity rather than fear.
Check out our selection of Jeremy Fisher keepsakes that bring the pond to your home. Whether you are a lifelong collector or introducing a newborn to the world of Beatrix Potter, there is something magical about owning a piece of this history.
Classic Soft Toys
Our Jeremy Fisher soft toys capture him in his iconic jacket. His thoughtfully designed shirt pattern was inspired by the end papers of The Tale of Jeremy Fisher book.
He’s soft, huggable, and perfectly weighted for little hands — or for sitting proudly on a nursery shelf.
Hand-Painted Figurines
For the serious collector, our figurines highlight the 'action' of the story.
A Toast to Mr. Fisher
As we look back on 120 years, we invite you to pull out your old copy of the book (or perhaps pick up a new anniversary edition!). Read it aloud and enjoy the rhythm of the words: the tweak of the water-beetle, the flop of the lily-pad, and the snap of the trout.
Mr. Jeremy Fisher reminds us that even when things go swimmingly wrong — when we lose our shoes or our dinner escapes — we can always hop back home, put on a dry waistcoat, and enjoy the company of good friends.
Happy 120th Anniversary, Mr. Fisher! May your feet always be wet and your heart always be dry.
Explore our full Jeremy Fisher Collection today and bring a piece of the Lake District home with you.