Bear Necessities Magazine- Issue1

BEAR NECESSITIES

MAGAZINE

©

ISSUE 1 - January 2026

The Wonderful World of Artist Bears

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF CHARLIE BEARS Plus Jomanda Soft Toys, Cubbies UK®, Warmies & many more

Wendy Stratton

By the Editor

bearnecessitiesmagazine@gmail.com

bearnecessitiesmagazine@gmail.com

: Wendy Stratton McHenry by Bearitz : www.rawpixel.com & www.freepik

Cuddle Corner/Butterfly Beads & Butterffly Beads of Hereford

3

The Bear Detective

4

History of the Teddy Bear

5

The big Teddy Bear companies

7

20 Years of Charlie Bears

20

Top 5 Best Charlie Bears Pawstores

29

Artist Bears

35

The Rupert Bear Story

51

Peter Bull the father of Teddy Bear Collecting Win a Charlie Bear

56 58

Butterfly Beads of Hereford/Cuddle Corner Teddies & Soft Toys 9 Cedar Lane HEREFORD HR4 7QQ Email: butterflybeadshereford@gmail.com Tel: 07443 825738

www.butterflybeadsofhereford.co.uk We are a small online gift shop in the heart of Hereford specialising in bears and soft toys. We even stock some New and Retired Charlie Bears, as well as Cubbies UK®, Jomanda Soft Toys and Warmies®.

We make event crackers and some small jewellery pieces to go inside these such as morano glass pendants, bracelets and earrings.

Charlie Bears uses only high quality fabrics including European plushes and Schulte mohair. Many of these fabrics are created to Charlie's own specifications. The bears are hand-made, from the cutting of the pattern to the final detailing.

In our Cuddle Corner of the Gift shop we also stock other makes of bear such as Boyds (Enesco), Clemens, Steiff plus many more.

We also sell books and homeware by Wraptious. So why not take a look at what we have.

Wonderland

Frog Footman

Walrus

THE BEAR DETECTIVE https://www.butterflybeadsofhereford.co.uk/ the-bear-detective

THE BEAR DETECTIVE https://www.butterflybeadsofhereford.co.uk/ the-bear-detective

I have been an arctophile (avid collector of bears) since a very early age, collecting all of the big names such as Steiff, Deans, Charlie Bears, Merrythought and the list goes on.

During this time the popularity of Teddy Bears has become bigger than ever. Most of you will know the names I've mentioned above especially Charlie Bears who have received phenomenal success over the years with their innovative designs and attention to detail. Many people spend a lot of time and money trying (sometimes in vain) to find specific bear from older collections and sometimes even the newer bears that sell out quickly.

We have an online store selling both older bears that we have sourced over recent years and some of the newer bears from Charlie Bears. We find that some bears from the newer ranges sell out very quickly almost before collectors even get to know about them. We take note of what our customers ask us for and try and stock them *(please note we are not always successful)!

All of the bears we have in our collection are retired and we also have many new Charlie Bears that all have their original tags. They all come from reliable sources whether that be Charlie Bears themselves or other merchants and sellers and are in tip top condition. We never sell bears from dubious sources and we never purport to be a Paw Store which we are certainly not.

We also offer a 'finding' service! If you are having trouble finding a particular bear; not just from Charlie Bears we will be stocking other bears too, then drop us a line and we will attempt to find it for you.

We are also stockists for Jomanda Soft Toys & Accessories, Cubbies UK®, Warmies®, Wordsworth Editions and Wraptious Homeware.

Thank you to all of you who have supported our online store thus far. We really do appreciate your custom and support.

The History of the Teddy Bear The "teddy bear" is named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who refused to shoot a defenceless bear on a hunting trip in 1902. After a political cartoon depicting this event was published, a Brooklyn candy shop owner named Morris Michtom created a stuffed toy bear and, with the president's permission, called it "Teddy's Bear". The name was a common nickname for Theodore, and the toy's popularity led to it being known as the "teddy bear".

In November 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt went on a hunting trip in Mississippi. His hunting party cornered and tied a black bear cub to a tree for him to shoot, but Roosevelt refused, deeming it un-sportsmanlike.

Theodore Roosevelt

The stuffed bear was an instant hit. Michtom sent one of the bears to President Roosevelt, along with a request for permission to use his name. Roosevelt, amused by the toy, gave his consent. This led to the creation of the the first company to produce teddy bears commercially.

Simultaneously, across the Atlantic in Germany, the Steiff company, founded by Margarete Steiff, was producing similar stuffed bears. Although the Steiff bears were not initially named after Roosevelt, they quickly adopted the "teddy bear" nickname as the toy gained popularity worldwide.

Cartoon by Morris Michtom

The teddy bear quickly became a beloved toy, cherished by children and adults. Its connection to Theodore Roosevelt gave it a unique story and a sense of historical significance.

Over the years, teddy bears have evolved in design and purpose but remain a symbol of comfort, compassion, and nostalgia.

Today, the teddy bear is more than just a toy. It represents a piece of history and a reminder of the importance of kindness and sportsmanship. The name "teddy bear" endures as a tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and the moment that forever linked him to one of the most iconic toys in history.

Margarete Steiff

Margarete was the daughter of building contractor Friedrich Steiff and his wife Maria Margarete, née Haehnle. At eighteen months, Margarete contracted a high fever that left her legs paralysed and right arm difficult to raise.

After three years, doctors finally diagnosed her with polio. Her parents were keen that she live a full life and investigated many medical treatments with little success. As a child she was taken to school in a small hand-pulled cart by her sisters and other neighbourhood children.

In her later reminiscences, she recalls, "All the children gathered around me and I organised games in which I was the centre of attention.

However, the older children often ran off and then I was left babysitting the tiny tots".

Margarete regularly attended school throughout her childhood and in spite of the pain in her right hand, went to the needlework classes of Frau Schelling where she completed her training as a seamstress at the age of 17.

She occasionally worked with her sisters, who had opened a women's tailor shop.

Margarete also became an accomplished zither player, teaching others to play to earn some money. Her savings allowed her to buy a sewing

machine, the first owned in the town of Giengen, and this led to another opportunity to earn income. Margarete worked on trousseaus for the town folk, and by her mid-twenties was making fashionable clothes and travelling to other towns to work and visit family, sending her cart ahead of her and travelling by post coach.

In 1877, Margarete opened a felt store and began making felt underskirts, which had just become fashionable, for the firm of Christian Siegle in Stuttgart. She was soon able to employ people to work for her and it became a thriving business. Margarete commented: "At this time I came across a pattern for a toy elephant. Felt was the ideal material for this toy and the filling would be of the finest lambswool. Now I could make these as gifts for the children in the family and I tried out the patterns in various sizes". In 1879, the American magazine The Delineator published a pattern for a cloth mouse, rabbit, elephant, and other animal patterns followed The German magazine Modenwelt then reproduced these patterns. Margarete made many of these toys and gave them as gifts to friends, and by 1880 she started to sell them in small numbers.

In the following years she widened her range of small cloth animals based on the magazine patterns, but with small alterations to the cloth used and accessories.

In 1892, Margarete's small company applied for a patent "for making of animals and other figures to serve as playthings". The patent number was DRP 66996, but this was later withdrawn when contested by another German toy manufacturer.

Margarete's brother Fritz realised that there was an opportunity to sell large numbers of these toy animals and he took some samples to the market in Heidenheim, coming away with many orders.

Production and turnover increased each year as did the variety of toys on offer. Pull-along and ride-on toys were also added with the development of metal frames inside the toys. By 1889, the company moved into a larger building, which had a corner shop where the toys and fabric could be displayed for sale. The words "Felt-Toy-Factory" were painted in large letters on the outside wall. Next came a printed catalogue for customers to order from, and the business grew.

In 1897, Margarete's creative nephew, Richard, joined the company. He had previously studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule (Arts and Crafts Academy) in Stuttgart, Germany. His sketches became the basis for many different Steiff toys.

Margarete made up all the samples of any new toys herself so she could uncover any problems that might arise in production. Between 1897 and 1899, the Steiff company was designing and making "dancing bear" toys. Rather than the familiar teddy bear, these were standing figures carrying sticks and with rings through their noses imitating the real-life dancing bears that travelled from town to town to provide entertainment at this time, or pull-along bears on wheels.[9] In 1902, Richard designed "Bear 55 PB", the first soft toy with movable joints, which was to become the world's first teddy bear.[1][10]

By 1903, a large shipment of toys had been sent to a New York showroom, but there was not much interest in the plush toy bears that were displayed there. In March 1903, Richard took jointed soft toy bears to a spring fair in Leipzig, where they caught the eye of an American buyer, who ordered 3,000 bears. From then on, "Bear 55 PB" became a bestseller in the United States - a remarkable achievement for a small German business from the Swabian Albs. Plush bears such as 55 PB became known as "teddy bears", named after the American President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.

Margarete became an important figure in German female entrepreneurship. Originally from a small town in southern Germany and living with a life-long physical disability, she founded and grew a business that continues to be recognized around the world. In the literature on German entrepreneurs, she is cited as an idol for female entrepreneurship and innovation, growing her business beyond German borders.

Steiff went on to become one of the most famous and sought-after brands of teddy bears and other plush toys. In 1910, Steiff won the Grand Prix at the Brussels International Exposition in Belgium. Steiff continues to be among the most well-known plush toy manufacturers in the world.

Vintage Steiff toys have become valuable collectibles, with auctions fetching prices that regularly make the news.

https://shop.enesco.co.uk/

https://shop.enesco.co.uk/

Boyds Bears was founded in 1984 by Gary and Tina Lowenthal.[2] They were owners of an antique shop in Boyds, Maryland, which although profitable, found difficulty maintaining an inventory of well priced antiques. They turned to making and selling antique reproductions. Some of their more profitable reproductions included duck decoys. In 1984 they began sculpting with resin, at first making a line of miniature houses called "The Gnomes Homes". The first bear was a 12 inch tall stuffed bear with moveable joints named for the couple's newborn son, Matthew.[2] They began making and selling stuffed bears, and the bears became known as "Boyds Bears" after the town of Boyds, Maryland, where they lived and operated their business. The plush bears and hares were a success, and in 1993 Boyds introduced the first resin bears.[3] Enesco acquired the company in 2008, retired the line in 2014, and relaunched the brand in 2024.[1][2] Boyds Bears are also sold at TheBoydsBearsStore.com and at Cuddle Corner of Hereford (part of Butterfly Beads of Hereford.

Bel Air 33 Belvedere Crt Lyttelton Rd London N2 0AH Tel: 0208 457 7555 Email: orders@belairgallery.co.uk

www.steiffteddybears.co.uk/

Steiff Bears make the perfect gift for any Teddy Bear fan! Shop our selection today and find the perfect Steiff Bear for you or a loved one.

Whether you are looking for a Collectable Steiff Bear or Animal or a fantastic present for a New Born, Christening or Special Milestone you will find a large selection all at competitive prices with fast UK Delivery. Please look through our website where you find Limited Editions, Classic Bears, Animals, Personalised Bears, as well as Cosy, Baby & Soft and Cuddly Bears.

www.merrythought.co.uk/

The story of Merrythought began in 1930. William Gordon Holmes, owner of a spinning mill in Yorkshire called ‘Holmes & Laxton’, recognised the opportunity to make premium soft toys from the luxurious natural fibres they sourced. He found a beautiful brick foundry building in Ironbridge, home of the industrial revolution, and with the help of a team of skilled local seamstresses, Merrythought was born.

The first collection was designed by Florence Attwood, a remarkable pattern maker who overcame many challenges associated with being deaf and unable to speak, to create some of our most iconic designs. This included the original Merrythought and Magnet teddy bears, which still have a strong influence upon the designs we create today.

Clemens Spieltiere GmbH Waldstrasse 34 D-74912 Kirchardt CONTACT Phone: +49 (0) 7266 1774 info@clemens-spieltiere.de

https://clemens-bears.com/ When Hans Clemens came to Kirchardt/Baden with his family in 1948, he – like many people of his generation – was literally left with „nothing“ as a result of the Second World War. Nevertheless, the newly awakened optimism of this time, which was the dawn of the era that has gone down in history as the „economic miracle“, also gripped entrepreneur Hans Clemens.

The founding of a retail store for glass, porcelain and gift items also marked the beginning of the „rebirth“ of the unforgotten, much-loved teddy bear: demand was so great that Hans Clemens specialized in the production of the first „post-war teddy bears“ at an early stage. Customers at the time kept asking for teddy bears, as they were no longer available after the war.

Hans Clemens decided to help the customers and also the children and started making teddy bears from old Wehrmacht blankets.

His sister lovingly made them by hand and each teddy was an individual and lovingly crafted one-off. Demand soon began to increase and the business was continually expanded. The first employees were added.

With the economic upturn came the final breakthrough for the company. It was almost impossible to cope with the many requests, as many other plush toys had been added in the meantime, but the absolute bestseller and everyone’s favorite was still the teddy bear.

In the following years, as everywhere in the industry, crises had to be overcome, but thanks to the cohesion, the well-known Clemens quality and the unmistakable style, the company overcame them. Today, these unique pieces, painstakingly handcrafted from old Wehrmacht blankets, are coveted collector’s items – and relics of a bygone era.

The new company grew as the tasks grew: Employees were hired permanently and the production program was expanded to include a variety of plush toys – the „breakthrough“ was achieved.

https://www.harrods.com

The Harrods bear is named Henry, after our founder Charles Henry Harrod. He’s quintessentially British and designed with intricate details that reference the storied history of Harrods – from our instantly recognisable green men to the archival patterns you’ll find across our emporium.

In 1906, the first Harrods bear appeared in a catalogue of magical toys. By 1921, the Harrods bear had attracted the attention of English writer A.A Milne, who purchased one for his son – and this same bear went on to inspire A.A Milne’s famous Winne-the-Pooh character.

www.canterburybears.com Canterbury Bears The Workshop, Court Hill, Littlebourne, Canterbury, Kent CT3 1XU Tel: 07791 310 314 Email: enquiries@canterburybears.com

All our creations are designed and made in our workshops, situated in a small village close to the historic Cathedral City of Canterbury in Kent.

The unwavering ethos of our family business is that we are 100% designed and handmade in England.

In 1987 we were granted the privilege of using the City of Canterbury coat of arms as our logo; this ancient marque is registered by the Garter King of Arms and dates from the 11th Century.

Canterbury Bears was founded in 1979 the late Modern British abstract painter John Blackburn.

The company was created in response to a friend searching for a traditional bear for his

grandmother, and he commissioned John to design and make one. The rest is history.

We know that every bear occupies a special place in the heart of their owner. We ensure that each one of our bears, and other animal friends, is truly individual.

Our makers love what they do and between us we have over 200 years of bear-making experience. When you buy from Canterbury Bears, we guarantee your purchase has been made with love by an experienced and dedicated team here in the heart of the English countryside.

Our bears, and their animal friends, are made to the very highest environmental standards, from materials to working practices.

Canterbury Bears The Workshop, Court Hill, Littlebourne, Canterbury, Kent CT3 1XU Tel: 07791 310 314 Email: enquiries@canterburybears.com

Introducing the creative and unique Atlas bear. Ignite your sense of wanderlust with a handmade teddy bear, showcasing a map of the world.

Barbar is a cuddly companion made from soft knitted back plush fabric with reversed foot-pads. His features include shiny black safety-locking eyes and handembroidered mouth and eyebrows, creating his friendly expression.

King Charles III is made from 100% pure golden curly mohair with coordinated smooth ultra-suede pads and paws. He is fully jointed with our own hand stamped wooden joints and is soft filled with recyclable materials with a weighted tummy.

Bunny & Freya are fashioned from 100% authentic pale coffee sparse mohair, features reversed mohair paws and inner ears and a fluffy white mohair tail. He flaunts shiny black safety locking eyes, a black woollen hand-embroidered nose and whiskers, and is fully articulated with our unique hand-stamped wooden joints.

Meet the Father Christmas of Canterbury Bears, handcrafted from super soft plush with ultra-suede boots and paws, made in a festive colour palette of red and white.

A timeless classic, Mr Bear is handmade from 100% pure, sparse, pale-coffee mohair. His features include reversed mohair pads and paws, shiny black English hand-blown glass eyes, and handembroidered black nose and eyebrows — culminating in his characterful expression.

Jomanda Ltd Unit 14, Park Farm, Skeffington, Leicestershire, England, LE7 9FN josales@jomanda.co.uk 0116 259 9800

https://www.butterflybeadsofhereford.co.uk /ourshop/cat_1841965-Gift-Ideas.html

Back in 2005 we produced our first sheep to sell at shows and events around the UK, hence our company logo.

Since then, Jomanda has become an established soft toy company, distributing to gift shops, toy shops,and boutiques in the UK, Europe & rest of the world, as well as selling directly to the public. All of our toys are tested as suitable from birth, with the emphasis on quality and durability.

We are based in the lovely Leicestershire village of Skeffington. On a typical working day, apart from staff, there's usually at least three guard dogs to keep us safe.

https://www.butterflybeadsofhereford.co.uk /ourshop/cat_1841965-Gift-Ideas.html

A Cubby is specially selected by you, based on the characteristic of your child. We then lovingly hand-make each one in our workshop, with an embroidered name to match. Every authentic Cubby is uniquely theirs, with its own personality, individuality and truly magical character.

Cubbies have removable stuffing pods making them machine washable, so they can be easily cleaned after every adventure. Each Cubby has embroidered eyes and mouth, is fully tested and certified and approved for all ages.

Our goal is to inject magic into toys by finding new ways to spark children’s imaginations all over the world. So we created our Cubbies to celebrate imagination and individuality in a way that’s as unique as your children are. But don’t just take our word for it, make your personalised Cubby teddy today and see for yourself…

https://www.butterflybeadsofhereford.co.uk /ourshop/cat_1841965-Gift-Ideas.html

Warmies® was founded on a very simple premise, that everyone might experience comfort in their everyday life.

Warmies® are fully heatable, incredibly comfortable, and feel amazing. They provide stress and anxiety relief, promote restful sleep, and are perfectly weighted to provide a calming and positive sensory experience.

Inspiring wellbeing is at the heart of what we do. Being mindful of wellness leads to better living.

Our products provide soothing warmth and aromatic comfort for all ages, are safe for all ages and are loved by all ages.

Warmies® are gently-scented with REAL dried Lavender, sourced from growers in Provence, France, as well as all-natural grain filling to provide the perfect sensory experience.

20 Glorious Years of Charlie Bears htpps//www.charliebears.co.uk

Photograph: Jake by Charlie Bears. Jake was the first of the bears to come out in 2005.

Charlie Bears is a popular UK brand, was founded in 2005 by Charlotte and William Morris.

Known for handcrafted, collectible teddy bears and plush animals with unique personalities, they feature luxurious materials, detailed stitching, and distinctive designs.

They are available in various collections from affordable plush toys to high-end mohair artist bears. They are famous for being "bears with personalities," and are made with care and sold worldwide through numerous retailers.

Each bear is made by hand, giving them unique flaws and charm, hence the " bears with personality" description.

Created by Charlie Morris and other guest artists, such as Isabelle Lee they create designs ranging from traditional bears to mythical creatures and other animals.

Made from high-quality plush, mohair, alpaca, and other fine fabrics the bears feature handembroidered noses, sculpted paw pads with airbrushing and unique accessories such as ribbons, scarves and metal trinkets.

Each bear has a unique name, story, and features, making them highly collectible and beloved by enthusiasts.

In essence, Charlie Bears are more than just soft toys; they are art pieces designed to be loved and collected, each with its own distinct character.

My own collection features many pieces from the early years right up to the 20th Anniversary Collection with the prized piece being In essence, Charlie Bears are more than just stuffed animals; they are art pieces designed to be loved and collected, each with its own distinct character.

CHARLIE’S JULIEN MACDONALD COLLECTION

https://charliebears.co.uk/the-charlie-bears-collections/ charlies-julien-macdonald-signature-collection/

The collaboration between renowned fashion designer Julien Macdonald and Charlie Bears came about as part of Charlie Bears' 20th-anniversary celebrations. The partnership was a creative way to mark the milestone by blending the world of high fashion with handcrafted, collectible plush characters The designs for the characters take direct inspiration from Julien Macdonald's iconic fashion work, known for its glamour, sparkle, and red-carpet style.

The initial collection features three fully jointed feline characters—Cosmo, Miyaka, and

Feleena—each featuring details like sparkling lace collars, hand-embroidered details, and pompom adorned tails that reflect Macdonald's style.

A later launch introduced two bears, Bambalina and Tuto.

Each character is a limited edition piece, with only 1,200 available worldwide, adding to their collectability.

The collection was launched exclusively on QVC UK in mid-2025, with Julien Macdonald and Charlie Morris the founder of Charlie Bears) presenting the items together

CHARLIE’S JULIEN MACDONALD COLLECTION

https://charliebears.co.uk/the-charlie-bears-collections/ charlies-julien-macdonald-signature-collection/

The Charlie Bears Julien Macdonald Signature Collection brings Macdonald’s red-carpet sparkle and signature glamour to a world of whimsical charm, blending haute couture fashion with handcrafted collectable bears in an unexpected, yet irresistible collaboration.

Each Charlie Bears Julien Macdonald Signature Collection character is individually handmade and created using only the finest of plush materials, with exquisite detailing.

80 Years of the Moomins https://www.moomin.com/en/

It all began with the first Moomin tale, The Moomins and the Great Flood, published in 1945.

Penned by Tove Jansson during WWII as a fairytale to comfort herself during dark times, it mirrors the realities of millions of displaced people seeking refuge. Following Moominmamma and Moomintroll’s quest to find a new home and the missing Moominpappa, the story lands in what will become known as Moominvalley. There stands a tall blue house – a joyful place where everyone is welcome, whoever they are, whenever they come. The Moominhouse is a symbol of security, shelter and a sense of belonging. These are universal needs. Timeless needs. They are as true today as they were 80 years ago.

Tove Jansson is without a doubt one of the best Finnish artists of all time and also the most widely read Finnish author abroad. Her lifework is of immeasurable value because of the success she made as a writer, artist and cartoonist. She was a multi-talented artist who is mostly remembered as the creator of the Moomins. The Moomin books have been translated into over sixty languages.

In addition to the Moomin books and comics, Tove Jansson also received recognition for her short stories and novels. Her worldwide fame is also recognisable because she succeeded to write for both children and adults at the same time.

Tove's father was Finnish-Swedish Viktor Jansson (born in 1886) and her mother was Swedish Signe Hammarsten Jansson (born in 1882). Viktor and Signe met in Paris while studying and they got married in 1913.

Tove's mother Signe worked as an illustrator and artist. Among other projects she designed banknotes for the Bank of Finland. She also designed all the Finnish postage stamps between 1929-1962.

Tove had two little brothers, Per Olov Jansson (b.

1920) and Lars Jansson (b. 1926) and like other members in the family both of them became artists. Per Olov was a photographer and Lars made his debut as a writer and later became a Moomin cartoonist. The siblings had many shared projects during their careers as well, the best known works being the Moomin comics Tove and Lars drew and the documentations Per Olov made of Tove.

As a child Tove spent summers with her relatives in the Stockholm archipelago. It was from the summer house in Blidö and the area surrounding it that Tove drew her inspiration for Moominvalley and the Moominhouse with its terrace and slender tower. Part of the family tradition was also to spend summers in Pellinge, out in the archipelago of the Gulf of Finland. All these summer memories played a part in shaping Tove’s love for islands, big or small.

Tove’s family and the home they lived in played a key role in her career. Family members trusted and supported each other in every way. Having the childhood home full of art and artists who were facing the compromises of daily life had a massive impact on Tove’s philosophy as an artist.

MOOMINS BY CHARLIE BEAR CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF TOVE JANSSON & THE MOOMINS

MOOMINS BY CHARLIE BEARS

Moominpappa thinks he’s a great thinker, a talented storyteller and a fearless traveler – and his family are always happy to indulge him!

Moominmamma especially lets him play the hero and always welcomes his ‘help’ (even when others might consider it ‘interfering’…) Being a restless sort, Moominpappa occasionally longs for adventure or for something new and exciting to happen, but he is an honourable Moomin who always tries to fulfil his duties.

Moominmamma is the gentle and nurturing heart of the Moomin family.

She has a special skill for ensuring that people feel cared for and welcome to be themselves. Her housekeeping might seem unusual to some – she’d rather leave the dishes out in the rain than wash them herself – and she has a rebellious streak and a great love of fun.

Nature is very important to her, and she tends her garden with the same care as she tends to her family. Moominmamma is never seen without her handbag, which contains the solution to many problems – along with dry socks, string, bark, sweets and tummy powder!

Moomintroll is kind, caring and curious, a great lover of nature and a true friend.

His life is full of excitement and adventure, thanks to his daring companions and the tolerant – and somewhat eccentric – Moominmamma and Moominpappa. Although he can be a sensitive character, anxious not to offend and susceptible to being teased (especially by Little My…), Moomintroll is bold and courageous whenever it is required of him. He is inclined to look for the positives in any situation and to embrace every experience that

presents itself, making him a lot of fun to spend time with!

MOOMINS BY CHARLIE BEARS

Thingumy and Bob are two shy little creatures who arrive in Moominvalley carrying a mysterious suitcase. They’re a private pair, preferring to keep themselves to themselves and even speaking their own special language.

They have a habit of taking things that don’t belong to them, but they mean no harm and usually return an item if they can see it’s sorely missed by its owner.

Thingumy and Bob are two shy little creatures who arrive in Moominvalley carrying a mysterious suitcase. They’re a private pair, preferring to keep themselves to themselves and even speaking their own special language.

They have a habit of taking things that don’t belong to them, but they mean no harm and usually return an item if they can see it’s sorely missed by its owner.

Snorkmaiden is a creative and excitable dreamer whose imagination comes in handy on adventures. She is very resourceful and quick-thinking, which often leads to her saving the day in style with a unique and ingenious solution. For example, she once rescued Moomintroll from a deep-sea octopus with nothing other than a ruby looking-glass. She enjoys acting out stories about beautiful maidens and brave heroes – with herself and Moomintroll in the leading roles, of course.

MOOMINS BY CHARLIE BEARS

Sniff is something of a younger sibling to Moomintroll, having been adopted by the Moomin family at an early age. He is good-natured, loyal, excitable, and eager to join in any mission, but his taste for adventure is not often matched by his bravery… He dreams of finding riches and is particularly taken with the idea of owning anything sparkly or valuable.

Fillyjonks like order, routine, and discipline. They become panicked if things get muddled up and frustrated if others don’t behave to their liking. They share an obsession with keeping their homes spotlessly clean, and it often takes a crisis to set them free of their long lists of chores! Mrs Fillyjonk is the most well-known fillyjonk in Moominvalley..

The hemulens all share certain character traits: they like order, believe in duty, and strongly feel that rules and regulations should be followed – to the letter. They are prone to obsess over collecting things (whether that be plants, stamps or insects) and tend to be a bit bossy. Most of them lack a sense of humour, but they can also be surprisingly convivial and high-spirited!

WHAT ARE CHARLIE BEARS PAWSTORES? Charlie Bears Paw Stores are special, authorized retailers carrying exclusive, limited-edition Charlie Bears, including their unique "Secret Collection" items, offering collectors unique access to rare plush bears not found everywhere else, distinguishing themselves by stocking the full range plus special Paw Store-only releases. These are key for enthusiasts seeking highly sought-after, rare bears, making them important destinations for serious collectors.

Exclusivity: Paw Stores sell unique Paw Store exclusives and Secret Collection pieces.

They sell unique the full range of Charlie Bears ON THE NEXT PAGES ARE OUR TOP 5 PAWSTORES FOR CHARLIE BEARS IN THE UK!

Number 1

https://www.teddystation.co.uk Teddy Station is a specialized teddy bear shop in Southend-on-Sea, UK, famous for its exclusive collections, especially Charlie Bears (a Paw Store) and collectible Steiff bears, offering handmade, limited-edition mohair/plush bears, artist bears, and character plushies from various brands like Disney.

They're known for hosting special events, offering pre-orders with deposits, and maintaining an active online presence with their own YouTube channel, Teddy Station TV on Sea, for collectors.

Run by Steve Kohler, the shop is situated in the Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend on Sea. What Steve knows about all of the bears he stocks is amazing and he loves to entertain on his Bear Channel on You Tube.

To find out more and to see Teddy Station TV just follow the link below. It’s on Fridays at 11.30 am on teddystation.co.uk/teddy-station-tv-on-sea-i17.html

Number 2

https://www.corfebears.co.uk/ Corfe Bears is a family business, run Hayley and Stacey Maskell and their daughter-in-law Leanne.

Based in the coastal town of Swanage, Dorset Corfe Bears sells a whole range of bears and soft toys such as Jellycats, Steiff, Charliie Bears, retired Kaycee Bears, Kosen Bears plus many more.

Artist Bears

Number 3

https://beargarden.co.uk/ The Bear Garden on Jeffries Passage in Guildford is a unique toy store that specialises in teddy bears and cuddly toys.

For those unable to drop in, we offer the facility to order either over the phone or online. In fact, we were the first UK teddy bear business to open an online shop in 1999.

Number 4

https://www.worldofbears.com/ Elaine and her team at The Gorge Bear Co and World of Teddy Bears would like to extend an invitation for you to visit her and her many beary friends, and cuddly soft toys over eighteen thousand in fact!

Don’t be surprised if your breath is taken away as you enter either of these toy shops. There is something suitable for everyone, from young to old, and something for everyone’s budget.

Select from a huge range of Soft Toys and Collectibles from Steiff Teddy Bears (Club Store), Charlie Bears (Paw Store), Jellycat, Merrythought, Hansa Toys and many other leading makers and artists.

Number 5

https://www.onemorebear.co.uk One More Bear is a collectable teddy bear and baby giftware shop. We pride ourselves of good quality, named brands and are always on hand to give advise for you too find that perfect gift! (Both instore and online!)

Our collectable teddy bear brands include Steiff, Charlie Bears, Bukowski Bears, Maileg, Wrendale desisgns, We have a huge selection of all of the above brands, so we are sure that there is something for everybody! Jellycat also can be found in store and online.

https://wildbutgorgeous.com/

Barbara-Ann Bears are made by talented husband and wife team of Barbara-Ann and Andy Cunningham in Scotland. They are known around the world for their creative, colourful and wacky designs! Barbara hand-dyes her own mohair and fabrics, and as nearly every bear is a one-of-a-kind creation, no two are ever the same! Andy has the painstaking task of embroidering the noses. This is done from many layers of co-ordinating, soft-cotton tapestry thread, which perfectly complement the bear's mohair.

Barbara-Ann Bears can also be found at

https://lakedistrictbears.co.uk/ Hi, I’m Jackie Miller. I am the proud owner of Lake District Bears and have been a professional bear artist for over 10 years.

I made my first bear at Christmas for my son, when he was a baby. I have always loved bears since I was a child and he was the same. I wanted to make him a special bear, so I bought a bear making kit. The finished bear had eyes too far apart, a rather strange looking nose and was over-stuffed but I was so proud of him – it got me hooked and I started sewing every day. I have always been a creative soul and within a few months I had made my first pattern, discovered mohair and alpaca and just couldn’t stop making bears!

In the early days I set up a shop with an online craft site. Getting your first sales and taking that leap from a casual hobby into a business is amazing. The recognition that other people like what you do is really quite humbling. As my sales started to grow, I created my own website and started to share my work on social media.

I used to have quite a demanding job in education, but as my bear business grew it became impossible to do both jobs, so a couple of years ago I took the scary decision to leave work and pursue my passion of being a full-time bear artist. I have never looked back!

I usually make traditional mohair bears in various shapes and sizes. I love the old fashioned style and like to age my bears. I am fortunate to live in the Cumbrian Lake District and living on the border of Scotland, I draw inspiration from the beautiful countryside and the range of gorgeous

tweed fabrics and tartans available and often do photo- shoots with my bears in the Lake District.

I make a variety of bears and animals but my signature makes are my Highland Cows. I create my own patterns for my bears, highlands and other animals and spend hours designing patterns for new bears and clothing and fine tuning my techniques.

As a small business owner every single customer is valued. It is wonderful when people pick your bears as their special keepsake and I thank each and every one as they enable me to spend my days creating bears and doing something I love.

I have been fortunate to send bears across the world from the UK to Australia. The highland cows are always popular in the US, especially in Texas.

I have made hundreds of bears over the last 10 years including some wonderful custom orders for bears that become the basis of children’s stories and many who are a cherished keepsake to remember a loved one.

I can’t imagine life without bear making. I genuinely live and breathe bears! I sew every single day, even Christmas Day, it is something I get so much pleasure from that I never see it as a burden or ‘work’.

My plans for the future are to continue to design new bears and patterns and share my making process on social media to help to inspire others.

My head buzzes with ideas and inspiration all the time and I look forward to what the future will bring.

Springfield Avenue, Whitehaven CA28 6TT, UK 07749 877 233 Email: lakedistrictbears@outlook.com

https://lakedistrictbears.co.uk

Barneby, Arthur and Frederick Isaac, Ivy and Litlle Elf PLEASE NOTE: These bears are made to order

https://www.bearitz.com/ Thank you for taking the time to visit, my name is Janice Davidson the artist behind Bearitz.

I have been designing and creating one of a kind handmade collectable teddy bears for over ten years and I am lucky to be based in the beautiful Perthshire countryside in Scotland.A friend introduced me to my first artist bear and I was soon hooked buying mohair, magazines and tools.

From the outset I created my own patterns, preferring to make contemporary style teddy bears with long necks and big feet. As the years have gone by I now find great pleasure in designing all kinds of bears, having gained the necessary skills and experience to do the traditional teddy bear justice. I hope their quirky style shows their zany personality, these bears just want to have fun!

Bearitz collectable bears are handmade using the finest quality fabrics. I prefer to work with German mohair and alpaca from Steiff Schulte or Helmbold. Sometimes I will hand dye the mohair for a wider choice of colour.

A friend introduced me to my first artist bear and I was soon hooked buying mohair, magazines and tools. From the outset I created my own patterns, preferring to make contemporary style teddy bears with long necks and big feet. As the years have gone by I now find great pleasure in designing all kinds of bears, having gained the necessary skills and experience to do the traditional teddy bear justice. I hope their quirky style shows their zany personality, these bears just want to have fun!

I have also designed for Deans Bears (the oldest UK teddy bear manufacturer) and Compton and Woodhouse. I feel very privileged that my bears travel, finding new homes all over the world. What stories they could tell?

https://www.bearitz.com/

Little things mean a lot, while they maybe small in stature they're big on personality.

Completely hand stitched, attention to detail is everything, the passion of bear artistry in the palm of your hand.

Size 5 1/2" (14cm) standing height

These bears hug the limelight, dressed to impress and will strike a pose just to get noticed with a "Well are you going to take me home?" look.

Size 10" (25cm) standing height

https://www.bearitz.com/

A bit wacky these bears are so much fun to make their smile says it all.

Big noses and big feet they are not your quintessential teddy bear and why I named them Bamboozles.

Contemporary, colourful and quirky.

Size 10" (25cm) standing height

These teddy bears are my interpretion of a traditional style teddy bear handmade with a centre seam muzzle and a small hump on the back gives a nod to the German bears of the early 20th Century.

Sizes range from 15" (35cm) - 18" (45cm) standing height

https://www.bearitz.com/ Ample tummies with shorter limbs reflect the true characteristics of pandas.

Bi-coloured in unusual shades these panda bears have a modern twist, experimenting with contrasting colours and textures.

Sumptuously soft in ivory alpaca gives a majestic presence to this artic warrior.

Sizes range from 8" (20cm) - 12" (30cm)

Teddy Bears, 99 High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 6HY Tel: 01993 706616 Fax: 01993 702344 bears@witneybears.co.uk

https://witneybears.co.uk/

Teddy Bears of Witney opened in 1985 as the first shop in the UK to specialise in selling new and old teddy bears.

Formerly an antiques shop, the double-fronted, sixteenth century Cotswold stone building provides a natural home for teddy bears. There is a lot to see including artist bears from around the world, limited editions by Steiff, Merrythought and other leading manufacturers, as well as a constantly changing selection of vintage bears and animals

https://witneybears.co.uk/

Cranleigh by Ali Jayne Creations, Worcestershire, England £435.00

Florrie by Elizabeth Leggat, UK £465.00

Antoinette by Anna Koetse, The Netherlands

Antoinette by Anna Koetse, The Netherlands

£435.00

£435.00

Liggy Wiggin by AliJayne Creations, Worcestershire, England

Spindalin by Mary, Forgetme-Not Bears, England

£295.00

£435.00

https://witneybears.co.uk/

Antoinette by Anna Koetse, The Netherlands

Esther by Sharon Barron, USA

Zimani by Silvia Gilles, Germany

£435.00

£345.00

£225.00

Sooki by Nadia Jacobs, Belgium

Jasper by Jerome and Colette Maillot, Vintage Bears, France

Oliver by Britta Uhlendorff, Germany

£145.00

£385.00

https://www.kayceebears.co.uk/

Kaycee Bears are collectible, handmade teddy bears and creatures designed by UK artist Kelsey Cunningham, known for their luxurious materials like mohair/plush, cashmere paw pads, handcrafted glass eyes, and a signature crystal detail, often appearing on the ear or paw. Each bear is meticulously crafted in England, featuring unique designs, sometimes limited editions, and are considered collector's items suitable for ages 14+.

Each piece is lovingly created by Kelsey and her team., using high-quality faux fur, plush, and 100% cashmere for paw pads. A crystal (gold or silver) is incorporated in a paw pad or ear, airbrushed noses and other features, and a handwritten name on the tag..

Each Dragon is fully jointed and meticulously crafted in England, emphasizing love and care in every detail, with intricate features like stitched veins on the dragons.

https://www.kayceebears.co.uk/

28” long Limited edition of 30 Silent Night is a festive dragon she is made from silver soft faux fur. She has white colour spines and inner ears and stars inside her appliquéd wings. She has 2 magnificent silver horns and pretty crystals of red and clear on her face with her soft sculpted nose. She is gently stuffed with a weighted tail for pose ability so he can curl up and sit on your lap. Around her neck she has a pink and aqua organza bow.

https://www.kayceebears.co.uk/

Limited edition 30 Meet Jollyfluff bear ready for the Christmas festivities. He is made from a luxurious soft green with pale tufts faux fur with his white face. White coloured foot pads and inner ears with a red needle felted nose. Around his neck he has a satin and sparkly red satin ribbon.

As with all Kaycee Bears they are 5 way wobble jointed scissor sculpted by hand and hand painted by Kelsey herself. Plus the trademark crystal in the heal of the food pad.

https://www.kayceebears.co.uk/

37” long Limited edition 30 Symphony is as grand as the name and is made from a teal green long dense faux fur. He has aqua spines and inner ears and appliquéd wings and three magnificent horns. Hand sewn and sculpted nostrils. He is gently stuffed with a weighted tail for pose ability so he can curl up or stretch out.

As with all Kaycee Bears they are 5 way wobble jointed scissor sculpted by hand and hand painted by Kelsey Herself. Plus the trademark crystal in the heal of the foot.

https://www.abracadabra-teddies.com 07946 480250 BARRICANE BEAR COMPANY BY RACHEL WARD Rachel has always had a love for all things "furry" - as a child, she had a huge collection of soft toys. Back in 1994 she discovered a copy of Teddy Bear Times magazine and was amazed to encounter a wonderful world of artist bears - all for grown-ups!

Having trained as a fashion designer, Rachel went on to design child’s wear for Marks & Spencer and other high street stores and so it was a natural move for her to start making her own bears.

Rachel's inspiration comes mainly from large, huggable vintage bears, vintage clothing and accessories and, of course, mohair! She uses mainly antique or vintage accessories and trimmings and as such these will not always be in perfect condition. However, Rachel feels that the natural aging adds character and fits in perfectly with the look of her bears.

Barricane Bears Abracadabra!!

are

now

exclusive

to

https://www.abracadabra-teddies.com 07946 480250 ORPHANAGE BEARS All the bears featured in our orphanage are now disinherited, unwanted and homeless. While we can temporarily foster them, we cannot keep them here for ever and so we are looking to re-home them where they will be loved and cherished.

As we market and sell our Orphans on behalf of their current owners, we cannot offer discounts or layaways longer than 3 payments unless a longer

term is stated in the description. Sometimes it’s worth contacting us to ask if the seller might accept a near offer on price however. We will always pass offers on.

Please note that as the items are not the property of Abracadabra Teddy Bears, they are not covered by our usual returns policy and all sales are therefore final.

90 YEARS OF RUPERT BEAR

Mary Tourtel the Original Creator of Rupert Bear The artist who created the original Rupert Bear was born Mary Caldwell at 52 Palace Street Canterbury on 28th January 1874. She came from an artistically talented family her father Austen Caldwell was responsible for designing and restoring glass at Canterbury Cathedral, his son Samuel managed to save the glass from destruction during the World War II Blitz. Mary’s brother Edmund Caldwell was also a talented illustrator of Children’s books.

Being born of such a creative family it is no surprise that Mary showed artistic talent from early childhood.

She was described as a shy, dreamy child with a rich imagination who loved animals Mary's love of Art as a child eventually brought her the opportunity to go on to Sidney Cooper School of Art in Canterbury where she received tuition from one of Britain’s most revered cattle artists Thomas Sidney Cooper. She even won a prize to Switzerland and numerous Medals including the Queen’s Prize for Design for ‘A Damask Hanging’. In 1893 she went on to greater heights winning awards including the ‘Princess of Wales Scholarship’, The Rosa Bonheur Prize, and the Owen Jones Medal for a design in Tapestry.

With such talent it was no surprise that Mary went on to study at the Royal College of Art between 1897-1900 and here she found love. Herbert Tourtel was a passionate young poet looking for a talented artist to illustrate his books of poetry, Mary became that person. Herbert penned the affectionate name ‘Portia’ meaning ‘daughter of the Gods’ for her and she affectionately called him Juan, possibly a reference to ‘Don Juan’. On 26th September 1900 they got married in the little Church at Stoke Poges becoming Mary Tourtel.

Naples and Rome. For many years her work as a female illustrator was barely respected but in recent years she has gained the acclaim she deserved as a talented female artist who brought great joy to children with her charming illustrations of Rupert The Bear.

Mary’s love of animals was reflected in her artistic flair for painting them. Mary Tourtel soon gained commissions to illustrate various children’s books including ‘A Horse Book’ and ‘Three Little Foxes’ in the Dumpy Books for Children Series as well as ‘Old King Cole’ and ‘The Rabbit Book’. Having gained a solid footing as a Children’s Books Illustrator by 1919 she was illustrating for Express Newspapers, in 1920 Herbert was working as Editor and aware of the popularity of children’s characters in rival papers they decided that Mary should create illustrations and Herbert should write accompanying rhyming text. In 1920, on Monday 8th November, Rupert made his appearance in ‘Little Lost Bear’, a story that began as a serialisation in the newspaper followed directly by another ‘Little Bear’s Christmas’. At this time there was no concept of how enduring Rupert’s character would be he was replaced occasionally by other characters but the endearing little Rupert the Bear won the hearts of the children. Although sadly Mary and Herbert never had children of their own.

Mary’s husband Herbert died aged 57, she had stayed with him while he had convalesced in Germany but after his death returned to England where she threw herself back into her work continuing to draw Rupert for the Daily Express.

Her last Rupert the Bear story before her retirement in 1935 was ‘Rupert and Bill’s Seaside Holiday’.

Perhaps inspired by the resort she had moved to in Wales, Llandrindod Wells – renowned for its medicinal springs. By the time of Mary’s retirement she had contributed more than 3,500 illustrations of Rupert Bear and around 87 Rupert Stories during the 15 years she worked on his character.

In 1948 Mary collapsed and it was discovered that she had a brain tumour. She died in Canterbury at the age of seventy-four. Her love for her husband had endured throughout the years and she requested to be buried with his ashes in the Churchyard of St. Martins, Canterbury. True to her animal loving principles she left monies in her will to the RSPCA and animal charities in Florence.

In 1956 Alfred Bestall bought a cottage in Beddgelert, Snowdonia, North Wales, where he lived permanently from 1980 on. He lived together with his elderly mother and his disabled sister. In 1965 his mother passed away, so he dutifully took care of his sister himself, which motivated him to retire from the daily 'Rupert' production. On 22 July 1965 his final story, 'Rupert and the Winkybickies', came to an end. At that point, he'd written and drawn 274 'Rupert' stories, of which 224 were for the newspaper. 41 were written specifically for the Annuals and seven stories first appeared in the 'Adventure' series. In 1938 and 1939, Bestall also drew two 'Rupert' stories for the Boys' and Girls' Books of the Year series, though he later dismissed them as being substandard.

Alfred Bestall never married and spent most of his final years alone, suffering from bone cancer. When asked whether he would've wanted to have children, he answered that he had millions of them in his target audience. He felt a responsibility to give them quality stories with a strong moral: "The thought of Rupert being in people's homes and in so many children's heads was a perpetual anxiety to me".

The artist made it his mission to personally reply to every letter children sent to him. At age 90, he broke his hip playing table tennis. When the chaplain visited him in the hospital, he joked: "I was only sorry I didn't return the shot." His hip was replaced through surgery. Alfred Bestall died in 1986 at age 93 at Wern Manor Nursing Home in Porthmadog, Wales.

In 1985 Alfred Bestall was named a MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), but couldn't attend the ceremony because of his illness. Prince Charles (the future King Charles III) therefore sent him a congratulatory telemessage on his 93rd birthday with his award, also adding that he remembered his "marvellous illustrations" from his childhood. In May 2006 Bestall's house in 58 Cranes Park, Surbiton, London was commemorated with a blue plaque.

Throughout his active career, Alfred Bestall was an unsung artist. In the 1970s, comics enthusiasts tracked him down and gave him more recognition. Monty Python member Terry Jones made a TV documentary, 'The Rupert Bear Story' (1982), broadcast on Channel 4, in which he praised Bestall as a "genius". Jones interviewed former Beatle and 'Rupert' fan Paul McCartney, as well as Bestall himself.

The broadcast made the veteran comic artist more famous among general audiences. Since Jones complained that Bestall's classics were difficult to find nowadays, the Daily Express issued reprints.

The comic artist collaborated on a book to celebrate the bear's 50th anniversary, 'Rupert: A Bear's Life' (London, Pavilion Books, 1985), written by George Perry. He also received an MBE medal (Member of the Order of the British Empire) that year, making him the only 'Rupert' artist to receive that honour.

Albert Bestall the iconic illustrator of Rupert Bear Alfred Bestall was the beloved writer and illustrator who defined the classic look and feel of Rupert Bear for three decades (1935-1974), creating many of the iconic stories and charming illustrations found in the beloved British children's character's annuals and strips, with his former home marked by an English Heritage plaque in Surbiton.

Bestall took over Rupert's creation from Mary Tourtel in 1935 and became the principal storyteller, bringing Rupert to life with his distinctive artistic style and imaginative tales set in Nutwood. : His illustrations, featuring Rupert in his red jumper and yellow checked scarf, along with classic characters like Algy Pug, established the timeless, nostalgic aesthetic still associated with Rupert Bear.

Bestall's work shaped Rupert's adventures for generations, with his illustrations appearing in numerous annuals, making him synonymous with the character's golden age.

Albert Bestall was born in Mandalay, Burma in 1892, where his parents were Methodist missionaries. He and his sister were sent back to England in 1897, and their parents joined them in 1910. As a schoolboy, he attended Rydal Mount school in Colwyn Bay from 1904 to 1911. He won a scholarship to the Birmingham Central School (later College) of Art and later attended the LCC Central School of Arts and Crafts in Camden. He served in World War I as an MT (Motor Transport) driver in the British Army in Flanders, where he transported troops, ammunition and stores in a range of vehicles including converted double-

decker London B-Type buses, often under enemy fire.

Following the war, Bestall finished his studies at the Central School of Art and was hired to illustrate books by Enid Blyton. He also began doing paintings for The Amalgamated Press and did illustrations for Punch and Tatler, as well as for over 50 books. In 1935, Bestall was selected to take over the Daily Express’s Rupert Bear stories from Mary Tourtel. Bestall said that he had known "nothing of the subject so I bought the Daily Express, looked at Mary Tourtel's work and drew three specimens keeping to her simplicity of line". Bestall did not sign his Rupert strips for the first 12 years out of respect to Mary Tourtel.

He had only five weeks to plan his first Rupert story and drawings. His first story was 'Rupert, Algy and the Smugglers' on 28 June 1935.

Bestall's cottage in Beddgelert Alfred improved the stories and plots of Rupert, but more importantly, he created the most beautifully crafted illustrations in the Rupert annuals. Much of the landscape in Rupert is inspired by the Snowdonia landscape of North Wales, notably around Beddgelert. He had first visited Beddgelert whilst holidaying with his parents at Trefriw in the Conwy valley in 1912 and 1913, where their holiday home was called 'Penlan'. He was often asked where Rupert's home village of Nutwood was supposed to be located, and told his first biographer George Perry that 'it is an amalgam of the scenery in the Weald, the wooded plateau so loved by the poet Hilaire Belloc that lies in Kent and Sussex between the North and South Downs, and also of the Wye Valley around Hereford, with the more rugged terrain required in the stories reminiscent of the mountains of Snowdonia.'

Considered by many to be the father of teddy bear collecting, Peter Bull was an actor with a long career in films. Born in London, England on March 21, 1912, he was the fourth son of Sir William Bull, 1st Baronet, and Member of Parliament for the borough of Hammersmith for 29 years. After finishing his university studies, he worked as a journalist until, in 1933, he decided to go into acting.

Peter Bull took time off from his acting during World War II to serve as an officer in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, achieving the rank of Lieutenant -Commander. He was a friend of the actor, Alec Guinness, whom he first met at HMS Raleigh during training in the Second World War, and later HMS King Alfred. He served as an officer in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, later commanding Landing Craft (Flak) 16 in the Mediterranean. For this he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for service in the Mediterranean.

Peter Bull had a long acting career on stage, film and television spanning 50 years and 62 parts (some as unlisted walk-ons) in England and the United States. Well-known roles included the captain of the German ship Louisa in The African Queen (1951) and Alexi de Sadesky (Dr. Strangelove) in Dr Strangelove (1964).

Yet in spite of his accomplishments, many remember Peter Bull as the man who made collecting teddy bears an acceptable adult hobby.

It all started with a conversation at a dinner party in New York City when one of the guests described the trauma she had experienced as a child when her teddy bear had been demolished in front of her eyes. That reminded him of returning home from boarding school one day to find that his mother had given his favourite teddy to a jumble sale.

Already a teddy bear collector with a large hug (the collective noun for teddies), Peter Bull placed an ad in the upon his return to London asking for teddy bear stories and photos from readers of all ages. This request, along with the one he had made on NBC’s Today program, sparked a chord, and the response was overwhelming.

Peter Bull received over 2,000 replies, including a poem by poet Sir John Betjeman who wrote about having his teddy, Archibald Ormsby-Gore, hidden from him as a child as a form of punishment and the insecurity that caused him to routinely check that his teddy was still there.

Peter Bull assembled the stories and photos into a book, Bear with Me, published in 1969.

The book was immensely popular. So much so that Peter Bull was invited to appear on television shows such as Johnny Carson and Merv Griffin. For Peter Bull presented a novel story. It was accepted that children loved their teddies, but here was a grown man admitting he loved teddy bears as well. Adults everywhere identified with Peter Bull and the teddy bear collecting craze was on.

It was as a result of his television appearances that Peter Bull was given what would become a very famous teddy bear, whom he named Delicatessen in honour of the bear’s prior residence in Maine, USA. But the teddy’s name would not remain Delicatessen for long. For in 1981 Delicatessen was chosen to star as Aloysius in the PBS miniseries Brideshead Revisited. Aloysius was so popular he even had his pads imprinted in the cement outside Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. And on February 21, 1982, Peter Bull officially changed Delicatessen’s name to Aloysius by deed poll.

In 1979, Peter Bull was invited by British toymaker and teddy bear maker House of Nisbet Ltd. to collaborate on the creation of a new teddy bear (named “Bully Bear”). “Bully Bear” became a character in six books that Peter Bull went on to write, and inspired a range of other bears in the series including “Young Bully” and “Bully Minor.” A “Tribute Bully Bear” was issued after Peter Bull’s death. Nisbet also made a replica of Aloysius but had to call him Delicatessen because of legalities.

Peter Bull died of a heart attack on May 20, 1984, at age 72. Most of his bears were given to the London Toy and Model Museum. A few were sold. Aloysius, now well over 100, currently resides with Ian Pout at Teddy Bears of Witney, Oxfordshire.

In December 2024 a great number of bears from Ian’s collection of bears were sold at auction including Aloysious who was sold for £26,000.00.

Win Miss r u o n i n o s n h Jo New Year draw

We have one very special bear to give away in our New Year 2026 prize draw.

Miss Johnson part of the 2025 Charlie Bears Collection and is an incredible panda made from long and fluffy cream plush fabric and a contrasting neon pink and green feathered-effect plush to make her really stand out! She is part-pellet filled for a lovely weight, has eyes with brown irises that are defined with eyes whites and a delightful hand embroidered nose. Miss Johnson features soft, cream suedette paw pads and wears a pale-yellow organza ribbon bow and key pendant, which has the year 1983 engraved on it, To win this beautiful bear just go to our Competition page on our website