Classic Paddington – Special Edition by Merrythought

During the 1970s and 80s, Doncaster-based Gabrielle Designs was at the centre of a collecting phenomenon. Their design for a Paddington™ soft toy was flying off shelves worldwide. Their original design for the little bear from Peru is perhaps the most quintessential version of Paddington. In his autobiography, Michael Bond described the moment he first laid eyes on their bear recalling “It was created with love and was born with that undefinable something known as star quality.” 

The skilled craftsmen and women at Merrythought have made Paddington™ before, but this is the very first time they have been asked to recreate the bear to the original Gabrielle Designs pattern. 

This exquisite hand-crafted mohair bear has all the charm and vintage appeal of the original. From his gorgeous long-pile blond mohair to his shiny black nose and charming amber eyes, he’s simply delightful. 

His splendid outfit has been made with all the same loving care and attention as Paddington himself. Just look at his navy-blue duffle coat, complete with wooden toggle fastenings and his old red bush hat, the brim kept firmly in place with a safety pin. Even his shiny red Wellies have a reversed ‘PB’ on the sole – so he can leave his mark wherever he goes! As a final finishing touch, secured to his coat button, is the special cardboard luggage tag written with love by his Aunt Lucy asking you to “Please look after this bear. Thank you”.

This special edition Paddington™, celebrating 50 years since Shirley Clarkson made her very first bears, is being issued in a strict limited edition. Only 1,972 bears can ever be produced.

Actual size of Paddington is 15" (38cm) standing.

PADDINGTON BEAR™
© Paddington and Company Limited 2022 From the Paddington Bear books by Michael Bond. Illustrated by Peggy Fortnum.
Paddington Bear™, Paddington™ and PB™ are trademarks of Paddington and Company Limited. Licensed by Copyrights Group www.paddington.com