Beatrix Potter letters auctioned for £4,000 at Bonhams

The letters were written in 1938 and 1939

A collection including two letters written by Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter has sold at auction for £4,000.

The letters signed by the author were among papers belonging to sculptor Josefina de Vasconcellos and her husband, painter Delmar Banner.

In the letters Potter, who took inspiration from the Lake District, laments declining traditional trades and discusses spontaneity in art.

The letters, which were written in 1938 and 1939, were auctioned at Bonhams.

They had been expected to fetch up to £8,000.

Bonhams book department senior valuer Simon Roberts said up to five people were involved in the bidding, including one on the telephone.