A classic, fictional bear in children’s literature, he was created by Michael Bond in 1958; having been inspired by a teddy bear he bought his wife in a shop near Paddington Station. The author went on to write a series of 20 books about the friendly and courteous Peruvian bear. Easily recognisable in his iconic hat and duffel coat with battered suitcase in paw; he became known for his love of marmalade, London and inadvertently getting into trouble!
From toddler to adult, demand prevails for Paddington Bears, recognised for his good characteristics of kindness, curiosity, fun, humour, adventure and generosity. His popularity increased after the first TV adaptation of his book series in the mid-70s, and escalated in the movie adaptation in 2015 and sequels in 2018 and 2024; where his animated form interacts with live action. The Adventures of Paddington TV series launched in 2020 and sketch with the Queen in 2022, has further cemented the ongoing popularity of Paddington and recruitment of new fans. He is now exclusively wholesaled at Baby Brands Direct in a range of plush soft toy formats.
The first Paddington Bear stuffed toy was created in 1972 by the parents of ex Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Gabrielle Designs Ltd., dressed the bear in wellington boots to help the teddy bear stand up for an enhanced in store presentation and sales, which the author, Michael Bond later introduced into the story line (1964 Christmas gift) and became part of Paddington’s iconic look.
During the launch of the Paddington movie, 50 of his statues were placed around key landmarks in London to celebrate the character and were later sold with its proceeds going to charity. The iconic bear makes for an essential line in all gift and nursery independent stores of which retailers can obtain wholesale supply from Baby Brands Direct.
