Farnell Teddy Bears

The quality of an early Farnell teddy bear, together with their realistic qualities, is what makes these delightful companions so highly sought after amongst collectors today. It is widely believed that some of the first bruins ever produced were in fact the creations of this renowned company. Auction prices for good early examples appear to be increasing all the time.

Starting out

It was way back in 1840 when John Farnell established a modest family business making small textile items such as pin-cushions. Following his death in 1897, John’s two children, Henry and Agnes, took over the running of the company. They relocated to Acton where they set up as soft toy makers, manufacturing cuddly companions out of rabbit skin.

Many of the early products were exported to Germany, where demand was high. Farnell’s success resulted in the establishment of the Alpha works in 1921, which became a public limited company, producing bears with the help of designer Cybil Kent. By the end of the decade they had showrooms in London, Paris and New York and had firmly established themselves as a major toy manufacturer.

Famous faces

The original Winnie The Pooh bear belonging to Christopher Robin is reputed to have been an early Farnell purchased at Harrods (similar to the 1930's bear in the photograph who still retains his label). It is a known fact that the company produced designs exclusively for this famous London department store, including rattles and musical teds. Bears were produced in golden silky mohair, as well as white and even more vivid colours such as blue or red, the latter being particularly desirable today. Few early Farnell bruins exist with any form of manufacturers label, but there are certain characteristics that can attribute them to this maker, such as long tapering limbs and a pronounced shaved muzzle. Up until the 1930s a familiar trait was to use webbed claw stitching, where the five claws are linked by four shorter stitches over the pads. Later, other manufacturers such as Merrythought and W.J. Terry also introduced this design of embroidery.

From around 1925 many of these cuties had unshaven muzzles, large glass eyes and broader snouts. A blue and white label was introduced, sewn onto the footpad, which read “Farnell Alpha Toy Made in England”. A swing tag was also used which stated “Alpha make”. These identification marks were utilised until the mid 1940s, when the design of the tag changed.

Animal Magic

The Alpha works also created many popular cuddly animals such as Beatrix Potter’s well loved Jemima Puddleduck, along with Mumfy the elephant and various character monkeys. Many of these delightful creatures were dressed in beautifully made outfits. Dogs were forever popular as a soft toy, and Farnell introduced a diverse range of breeds including their own version of Caesar. This dear little Pinscher was the favourite companion of King Edward VII and is remembered for the way in which he followed his master’s funeral procession unleashed. The popular canine was a success in various forms for many of the leading toy makers. Today, some of these old softies can command prices in excess of £500 each in untouched condition.

Out of the ashes

Fire completely destroyed the Alpha works in 1934, but by the following year the defiant company were back in production with a brand new range of cuddly toys, proudly declaring themselves the “world’s premier soft-toy manufacturer”. After World War II bears appeared with vivid red or blue paw pads, shorter limbs and a smaller body in proportion to the head. A printed label with the word “Alpha” in a shield shape replaced the embroidered tag of previous years. The same shape was also used for the swing tags and Alpha teddy bears remained their major line.

As with Chad Valley, Farnell also produced their own version of Toffee, the famous cheeky bruin from the 1950s BBC radio programme “Listen With mother”. Unlike the Chad Valley example, the Alpha ted had no knitted hat or scarf. In fine condition, Toffee can realise prices or around £500 at auction. Nightdress cases were a popular line and had been produced since the 1930s with unjointed limbs, swivel head and pink rayon lining. Safety plastic eyes were introduced in the early 1960s following the revised stringent safety laws for the manufacturing of children’s toys. In 1964 all production moved to Hastings and the satinized label changed to read “This is a Farnell quality soft toy, made in Hastings, England” with no mention of the word Alpha, and with the shield shape now gone. The new trademark was sewn into the left side seam of the bear. Farnell continued to produce their wide range of soft toys until 1968 when the company was sold.