While strolling around London before Christmas, I stumbled across Paddington Bear .....well several actually! I have fond childhood memories of the Paddington Bear books and the adventures of this very cute bear with a marmalade habit!
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| 'Bear in the Wood' standing outside St Paul's Cathedral |
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| St Paul's Cathedral |
I discovered that these statues were part of the Paddington Trail and with more time, I would have liked to have seen them all! The trail has now ended, the bears have been auctioned and over £930,000 has been raised for the NSPCC Childline Service. The trail coincided with the release of the Paddington film.
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| 'Paws Engage' in The Italian Gardens, Kensington Gardens |
There were 50 Paddington Bear statues in prominent positions around London (in many of Paddington's favourite places!) Each bear was created by an artist, designer or celebrity including David Beckham, Nicole Kidman, and Matthew Williamson.......
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| 'Camobear' in Selfridges |
There were so many varied designs and I especially liked the witty names too. You can see all the bears here
The trail ended at Selfridges where the idea for the Paddington Bear Story was born in 1956 when Michael Bond, a BBC cameraman at that time, bought a toy bear as a Christmas gift for his wife. He was inspired to write books about this bear which he named after the station close to his home.
The Selfridges store window featured a glamorous looking gold Paddington and a London taxi... surrounded by lots of jars of marmalade.
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| 'Goldiebear' by Kate Moss |
Inside the store, we looked around the Paddington Curiosity Shop ...There were displays of memorabilia and all kinds of Paddington-related gifts.
The timeline on the wall showed the development of the Paddington bear books .....
.....and there were costumes from the Paddington film including this colourful, quirky outfit worn by Mrs Brown.....
We were determined to see the film ....and it was the perfect feel-good film to watch the day before Christmas Eve. We enjoyed every minute of it ........
This charming bear arrives at Paddington station from Darkest Peru and is taken in by the Brown family who live in a pastel-coloured house which reminded me so much of the ones I photographed in Notting Hill just before Christmas....
The actual house used in the film, however, is in Primrose Hill. .....The film follows Paddington's new life and adventures in London. It's a delightful, fun film with a few sinister twists and turns along the way....
The first Paddington Bears like this one were manufactured in 1972 by Gabrielle Designs, run by Shirley and Eddie Clarkson. The prototype was made as a Christmas present for their two children, Joanna and Jeremy (who went on to become the well-known British presenter of the TV show Top Gear)
The earlier bears wore Wellington boots produced by Dunlop until production apparently could not meet the demand!
So cute! I remember Paddington from growing up, but I never knew what a huge phenomenon he was! Those little bears in the chest are so adorable!
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea how much I enjoyed your post Miss B! Paddington Bear is so so sweet and totally love him. Wish I was in London to see the statues, they are beautiful and for a great cause. I didnt know he was borned at the Selfridges though, I remember his adventuries from childhood too but on Xmas day I watched the movie, one of the best and sweetest ever. Your own plush is a little treasure! Many hugs! xo
ReplyDeleteaahh, what a cute video, miss b. You know, the music on there was the same music that we all danced to at Nel's wedding. I think Paddington Bear is so sweet, and the girls would love this movie. He has so many wonderful outfits, but I must say that I'm partial to the one with the red jacket and the blue boots that was made in 1972 - maybe because I grew up in that era. I want my own Paddington bear now! I really enjoyed learning more about him. Thanks for sharing his story.
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
I'm glad it brought back memories of Nel's wedding, Sheri!
DeleteHi Miss B, Love your Paddington Bear post. What a cute bear and I love seeing how he is displayed in London. Thank you for sharing all the history and the wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you also for stopping by and your kind comment.
Have a wonderful rest of the week and sending hugs your way.
CM
I remember seeing the preview of the movie! I loved Paddington Bear as a child. The statues are so cool and it is fabulous the money that was raised! What a great cause Miss B! Thanks for taking these pics, before they auctioned them off.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
What a wondrous way to bring joy to so many and then raise so much money for children! Thank you for sharing,
ReplyDeleteMerisi
I remember they talked about these Paddington Bear statues when Hugh Bonneville was promoting the movie on Graham Norton. How cool that you were able to spot some of them while out and about in London.
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
Je découverte cet petit ourson quand je suis allé la premier fois en Angleterre et je tombé sur son charme. A Noël, je voulais amener les enfants voir le film et à la fin on n'est pas pu, j'espère vraiment aller le voir. C'est génial tous les versions de Paddington que tu as pu voir à Londres !
ReplyDeleteNow I want the Paddington Bear. So adorable and stylish. Truly British. I admire Jeremy Clarkson in Top Gear. I didn't know he is related to the Paddington Bear.
ReplyDeleteHello miss B
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the history of the Paddington Bear.
And thank you also for stopping by and your kind comment.
Luisa
Personally selected products
Cool, they do this with life-size horses in amarillo
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful. We had a similar trail with elephants too some time ago.
DeleteThank you so much for a history of Paddington. It would be a great treat for my baby daughter who loves bears since we have started bear themes for her room. what a stuuning idea to design paddington bears.
ReplyDeleteJ'aime la statue en bois de Paddington ! Très chouette !
ReplyDeleteBonne journée :)
I like the Paddington Bear! I had no idea that there was a link between the PB and Jeremy Clarkson. How interesting is that?
ReplyDeletewww.LUXESSED.com
I have always adored Paddington and loved reading the books to my children when they were little. I thought of doing a post on this - instead I will just link to you. Thanks, Miss B! Enjoy the rest of your week, my dear! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandy!
DeleteOh yes I remember the Paddington Bear books, I haven't picked one up in decades though, nor have I watched the film unfortunately. The Bear is such a classic, it's interesting to see the history behind it. I'm so pleased they managed to raise so much for NSPCC; what a lovely initiative. OMG how funny that it was Jeremy Clarkson's parents who were the brainchild behind the bear - I wonder if he went to watch the film?
ReplyDeleteI was so surprised to find out about
Deletethe Jeremy Clarkson link and I also wondered if he'd seen the film.
The PAddington Bear is so cute
ReplyDeleteand I remember cuddling one of it
while walking to my school.
Love reading about its history here.
Have a great weekend.
http://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com
Such a cute bear post! I don't remember the Paddington bear, as it wasn't popular in my country. But I watched the trailer and it looked interesting. Haha, I was like "what is he doing" when he put the tooth brushes in his ears, haha! Funny!
ReplyDeletePaddington has always been a favorite of mine. I still have a tiny Paddington bear that is 24 years old! My husband then boyfriend gave him to me and could never part with him! He is dressed in a yellow rain slicker and truly adorable. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteAwww;) this is just darling. I had no idea this little guy was featured in so many places!! Thanks for sharing all the detailed history! I recall the books but have not owned a Paddinton Bear. Yours is so sweet! Have a nice weekend! xxleslie
ReplyDeleteHow marvellous! I loved Paddington bear in my youth, but my sister was obsessed, she started her epic bear collection I think because of PB initially. I remember the books. I love the timeline and the bit about the Top Gear lads is very interesting. xx/ Thanks for sharing! <3
ReplyDeleteI first became acquainted with Paddington on a trip to England with my family. It's been many years now and I still think he is just adorable. I love seeing how prominent he is in London right now. Cheers to Paddington! Fun post, Miss B! xx
ReplyDeleteHow cute they all are....never knew who made the original design! Hope you are having a good weekend)
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that there was a Paddington Trail, that is utterly wonderful to hear. My mum adores Paddington and the lovely bear's adoration of marmalade haha. I hope your weekend is going well so far (and that you haven't had to shovel feet of snow out of your driveway)!
ReplyDeleteGabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
x
Not a single snowflake here!
DeleteOh how I miss London. I remember the first time I saw a statue of Paddington Bear in London, I was so ridiculously excited. I had no idea there was a Trail! I would love to see the movie.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't believe that you discovered this bear so often in London! This bear is a star - and thanks to you I know now this star, too :) Namely, I have to admit that I didn't know this bear before I read your post. Thank you for sharing such a super cute post and happy start into the new week for you!
ReplyDeletexx from Germany/Bavaria, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
Your pictures are adorable. I love Paddington. I still remember when I was little and received my first Paddington Bear.
ReplyDeletePaddington is a very sweet guy! And he knows how to look really stylish in rainy days!! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi there! Love your blog, stumbled upon the other day. I am a lover as well of all things Paddington. When i was little, my mom would read to my brother and I the adventures of Paddington Bear, and I still remember the feeling of snuggling up to her for the stories at night. Thanks for this great post! xx Nancy (Stonecrop Sister)
ReplyDeleteNot seen this and sure the kids will love to watch this. I remember having a Paddington bear and a Pooh bear when I was young.
ReplyDeletewww.thoughtsofpaps.com
Thanks everyone for your lovely comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your memories of Paddington. It's amazing how a bear can suddenly transport us back in time!
ReplyDeleteCute little bear... when I was younger I wanted his coat lol :)
ReplyDeleteHaven't managed to see the movie yet!