Famous Teddy Bears

It wasn’t simply the cuddly variety of bruins that became popular as “Teddy Mania” swept the globe in the early part of the 20th century. Bears also appeared on china wear, jugs, plates, postcards and stationery, such was their popularity. Books began appearing too, and children thrilled at the adventures of characters in print.

Travelling Teds

Perhaps some of the most popular of the earliest publications were the tales of “The Roosevelt Bears”, written by Seymour Eaton. A Canadian born of Irish descent, Seymour came from a large family who encouraged him to pursue his talent for writing. He enjoyed phenomenal success with his stories about Teddy B (“brown”) and Teddy G (“grey”). Together, these two rather distinguished characters enjoyed many wonderful travels and adventures, and were printed in serial form in around twenty newspapers across the USA. Their success led to the publication, in verse, of four colourfully illustrated books between 1906 and 1910. Cuddly bruins became available complete with their very own Teddy B or Teddy G sweater. The talented author certainly contributed to the popularity of the teddy bear. At his home in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, Seymour Eaton sadly died at an early age in 1916, but he left behind a legacy that will live on and be enjoyed by generations to come.

True Brits

In 1920, our very own Rupert the Bear first appeared in the Daily Express in comic strip form. The popular hero was the creation of Mary Tourtel as a direct rival to the Daily Express character “Teddy Tail”. When the first annuals began appearing during the 1930s, Alfred Bestall took over as illustrator, and continued his work until the 1980s, by which time he was in his nineties. Rupert changed very little through the decades, always appearing rather humanised in his checked trousers and scarf and his red sweater. When he appeared on television in cartoon form, Rupert spoke in the voice of a young boy. He became famous across the globe and related merchandise proved hugely popular. Age cannot wither Rupert, and today there is even a specialist club for fans of the beloved bruin, which has hundreds of members worldwide. The earliest annuals command good sums of money and are highly sort after by enthusiasts.

A Real Honey

Winnie The Pooh is another classic tale that began in the 1920s. The original Winnie was an Alpha Farnell bought in Harrods, London by AA Milne for his young son, Christopher Robin. Ernest Shephard illustrated a series of books which followed, all involving the loveable bear and his companions, Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga, Roo and Piglet. The wonderful illustrations truly brought the characters to life, and the stories have been a source of delight for both adults and children all over the world. The publications were translated into more than 20 languages and the commercial potential was soon recognised. Makers such as Chad Valley in the UK and Agnes Brush in the United States soon began producing soft toy versions. Some of the earliest examples command high prices at auction today. All the animal friends were based on real toys belonging to Christopher Robin, and these originals now reside in the New York Public Library in America.

Many new characters were created which were extremely popular with children. Perhaps one of the best-loved teds of all time is Harry Corbett’s Sooty, who first popped up on our television screens back in 1952. Chad Valley gained exclusive rights to produce this loveable rogue in plush, together with Sooty’s friends, Sweep the dog and Sue the panda. Cuddly versions of sooty did not just appear in puppet form. Some fully jointed versions were also made, distinguished by their black nose and ears!

From the children’s radio program “Listen With Mother”, Toffee was another popular little fellow who wore a red hat and scarf. Chad Valley first produced him in soft toy form in 1953 with a high domed forehead and flat muzzle. He had a card tag attached to his chest that read “Toffee, the teddy with a personality” and a fabric label was sewn to the footpad. However, this was the time of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Chad’s Royal Warrant label changed that year from “Queen Elizabeth” to “Queen Mother”.

Special Bond

In 1958, “A Bear Called Paddington” by Michael Bond was first published in the UK and was an astounding success, being translated into many languages. Later, Paddington was given a duffle coat, hat, boots and a suitcase which became his trademark. Michael Bond based the character on a teddy he had bought for his wife from a London department store in the mid fifties. They so named him as they lived close to Paddington Station in London at the time. The author produced one book a year until 1981, and many television scripts were written. Gabrielle Clarkeson designed the first soft toy version in 1972. In the USA Paddington has been produced by Eden Toys since the mid 1970s.

The late actor, Peter Bull, became a great inspiration to enthusiasts after his book, “Bear With Me”, was first published in the UK in 1969. An avid arctophile, Peter has long been accepted as the “Father” of the modern teddy bear revival. He originally owned “Delicatessen”, the famous bruin who was later to be re-named “Aloysius” after his appearance in the 1980s television series “Brideshead Revisited”. Both The House of Nisbett in the United Kingdom and The North American Bear Company in America manufactured replicas of Aloysius.