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ADORABLE MAKE YOUR ARTIST BEARS OWN BEAR YOU’LL LOVE WIN LITTLE TED www.teddybeartimes.com teddy bear£5.99/$12.95 APRIL/MAY 2019 TIMES &FRIENDSISSUE240 OLD TREASURES ROBIN HOOD & KNIT A SWEATER BEAR HOSPITAL HIS MERRY MEN FURRY GANG FEATURE IN TOP TEN CHARLIE BEARS Gund04 ’s Gorgeous Grahm 08 9 771759 908046 > 9 771759 908046 >

16 April / May 2019 ● Issue 240 theinsidetrack 61 BEAR ADVENTURES To reach us: 4 TEDDY BEARZAAR All aboard with Captain Blondie US office: Ashdown Inc., PO Box 219, Kasson, MN 55944 . Call: 507 634 3143 All the latest beary news 62 DEAR JULIE Email: [email protected] 6 WIN A BEAR How to choose the perfect eyes UK office: Teddy Bear Times & Friends, PO Box 2258, PULBOROUGH RH20 9BA Word search competition 64 KNITTING PATTERN Great Britain. Call: +44 (0)1903 884988 Email: [email protected] 8 CHARLIE BEARS Pastel puzzle sweater Website: www.teddybeartimes.com Wilfy’s first top 10 of 2019 67 The Growler Editor: Jill Mundy Email: [email protected] 14 MEET THE ARTIST You share your views US Features editor: Lauren Nielsen Email: [email protected] Clare makes bears from local sheep 68 SHOW RECAP Advertisement sales: 16 PERFECT DOUBLE ACT Bears with a Mission is great success UK office: Maria Fitzgerald Email: [email protected] Meet Rob and Shane of E2 Bears 70 YO YO BEARS ON THE UP US office: Sara Vix Email: [email protected] 22 MEET THE ARTIST Yolanda sets herself a challenge Design: Wendy Crosthwaite Karen Knapp and Tindle Bears 72 MEET THE ARTIST Subscriptions: 26 SALE NEWS Virginia’s bears are blooming lovely UK: [email protected] US: usoffi[email protected] Top selling bears at Vectis Auctions 74 OLD BEARS Published by Ashdown Inc. and ashdown.co.uk ISSN 0961 - 0944 30 CHINA CUPBOARD BEARS Collecting soldier bears Subscription prices: Interview with Cindy McGuire 77 MEET THE ARTIST One year: (6 issues) UK £42; US $74.99. European and worldwide prices will be adjusted 34 COLLECTOR BEARS A refreshing look at Sweenikle Bears to local currencies. See online for details at www.teddybeartimes.com or see contact details Rare American Teddy Bears 80 OLD BEARS above. All of our subscriptions are handled by us at TBT&F. 36 BEAR HOSPITAL Seek out the more unusual www.teddybeartimes.com Meet Dot Bird’s latest patients 82 TEDDY TALK Teddy Bear Times & Friends (ISSN 0745-7189) is published 38 BEAR TRAILS Catch up with collector Mark Allen bimonthly by Ashdown Inc., 13 West Main Street, Unit 7, Kasson, MN 55944. Periodicals postage paid at Kasson, MN Lorraine’s gift of Grace and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Teddy Bear Times & Friends, PO Box 219, Kasson, 40 MEET THE ARTIST MN 55944. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without the Irina Harry’s fine felted creations written permission of the publisher is prohibited. All editorial contributions are welcomed by Teddy Bear Times but material 44 BEAR FAIR REVIEW is accepted solely on the basis that the author accepts the as- sessment of the Publisher as to its commercial value. Hugglets Winter Bearfest All material submitted to the magazine for publication in whatever form is accepted solely on the basis that copyright 48 OLD BEARS in the work will be vested in the publisher who assumes all rights worldwide, in all forms and in all media. A history of Hugmee © copyright ashdown.co.uk 59 WHERE I WORK 2 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS Ika Wagner-Heinze’s bear haven 56 MAKE A BEAR You’ll love making ravishing Raffles

abearybigwelcome 8 22 I would like to give a very warm furry 40 welcome to all to our new readers from all over the US and the rest of the world. Thank you for joining us following the closure of Teddy Bear & Friends - we hope you will enjoy the wonderful fea- tures in this issue of Teddy Bear Times & Friends. Regular readers of Teddy Bear Times will notice the addition to the title, which reflects the diversity of the teddy bear world. Teddy Bears, as we all know, give the best hugs but they also come in a huge variety of colors, sizes and styles. We hope you will find many bears and furry friends to tug at your heart strings in this issue, whether you love prettily dressed artist bears, crumpled old bruins or quirky critters. Bears are also good at keeping secrets and 64 are very wise. I’m reminded of a quote: ‘A bear teaches us that if the heart is true, it doesn’t matter much if an ear drops off.’ We love to hear from readers so tell us about your favorite bears or any beary adventures you have been on. If you have a great story or would like to see your bears featured in the magazine, please send an email to [email protected] or [email protected] telling us a little bit about yourself and the bears you love…even if they do have an ear missing! Till next time Jill & the team Have your collection featured in TBT&F.We’d love to see your favourite bears. Email [email protected] for more details. Bear adventures We thought you’d like to see behind the scenes at a busy TBT&F warehouse in Minnesota where Geoffrey and Reggie are heading off on a grand adventure. They’re the special welcome bears being mailed out to TBT&F subscribers. 3T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S & F R I E N D S

THETEDDY BEARZAAR BEAR AND CRITTER NEWS, GOSSIP, FASHION, AND MORE. EMAIL [email protected] A furry warm welcome GNeeworGgeoladweanrd There have been changes afoot This year sees the introduction since the last issue of Teddy Bear of a new online vote category for Times and you may have noticed the prestigious Golden George our title has changed to Teddy Bear Awards. Arctophiles around the Times & Friends. With the closure world have the opportunity to of the popular US publication Teddy vote for their favorite artwork in Bear & Friends, we say hello to lots each category and the results of new readers from around the will be announced at the Golden world but particularly from the USA George Awards dinner, during and Canada. We look forward to the weekend of Teddybär Total seeing some of your bears featured in Münster, Germany. The winner in our Collectors’ Corner and Meet will receive an Audience Award. the Artist features. Voting opened on 28 February 2019, so be quick! IT’S HOT Dont miss the fabulous Teddy Bear Times Pictured here from Category magazine slipcases. 7 is The Clockmaker from Nessa Bears. Good Bears of the World 50th Anniversary General Membership Meeting Teddy Bear origin story included in upcoming film GBW will celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 2019. Our Annual General Membership Meeting will be held at the Quinlan’s Artist Most probably don’t know the association Doll & Teddy Bear Convention & Sale, May 2-4, 2019, Clarion Ho- between the name Holt Collier and the teddy tel, Philadelphia, PA. We are celebrating with a silent auction! For bear, but their stories are linked nonethe- more information, please visit www.goodbearsoftheworld.org. less. When Theodore Roosevelt went on his infamous hunting trip, in which he declined Cover bear to kill a defenseless bear, he was guided by a man named Holt Collier. Holt Collier was Part of the Folklores and Roosevelt’s guide and tracked the bear that Fables Collection from was then tied up for Roosevelt to shoot. Charlie Bears features Robin Hood and his This excursion led to a cartoon be- Merry Men. Created ing published with Roosevelt and a bear by Isabelle Lee, pic- cub pictured, thus inspiring the nickname tured on our cover are “Teddy” for Roosevelt and eventually the toy the characterful Robin named after him, the teddy bear. Hood and Will Scarlet. See more from Charlie Collier wasn’t just a hunting guide–he also Bears on p.8 fought in the Civil War and worked as a hunt- ing guide, sheriff’s deputy and cowboy. His full story will soon be told in film. A group of filmmakers in Mississippi are currently in the process of casting roles for the film. 4 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Bears that heal Coming up! If you come across a observe how the new 7970 698728 or you can The 2019 Quinlan Artist Doll & Rupert Wallace bear guardians have chosen a email kathrynsianjones@ Teddy Bear Convention will be made by Teddy Bear bear, then found that the btinternet.com held on May 2-4, 2019 at the Artist Kathryn Jones crystal inside has been Clarion Hotel & Convention you could be forgiven just right for them. This PAWS FOR Center in Philadelphia, PA. The for thinking the bear is doesn’t surprise me, as I THOUGHT Convention will include work- stuffed with something have been working with shops, exhibits, Doll and Teddy special. Kathryn told crystals for 20 years and ‘Let’s be Bear Artist Awards, a marketplace us: “Healing crystals I am a qualified crystal for doll and bear supplies, the go in my teddies’ tum- healer and teacher.” 2-day show and more! For more mies - this has proven to information about the convention be very popular and it Find The Rupert Wal- and workshops, please contact has been wonderful to lace Teddy Bear Shop on the Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Facebook, call +44 (0) Bear Museum at (805) 687-8901 or [email protected] TOBY Awards teddy bears in our next FRiarbstbeitdsiotilodnaotfaPuectteiorn The 2019 TOBY Awards entry period is now lifetime. Everybody In 1902, Beatrix Potter’s famous open! Entries will be accepted be- loves them, story of a little rabbit named Peter nobody cares was first published. Now, over 100 tween March 1, 2019 and May 1, if they’re fat years later, a first edition copy of and the older The Tale of Peter 2019. The TOBY Awards will continue they get, the Rabbit has been more they’re sold at auction in to include the Industry Choice Awards, worth.’ Norfolk, UK along with various judged by a selected panel of other children’s stories by Potter. judges from throughout the in- The collection, including The dustry, and the Public Choice Tale Of Squir- rel Nutkin, Awards, judged by the peo- The Tale of Mr Jeremy ple who love this artform! Fisher, and others was For more information or to en- sold for 720 GBP. ter your creations today, please visit TOBY thetobywards.com 5T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S & F R I E N D S TEDDY BEAR OF THE YEAR Questions should be directed to [email protected] Unknown

THE BEAR DOCTORS We’re sad to have to say – Au Revoir! Our contribution for this issue comes to you with both a tinge of sadness alongside a tremble of excitement BY JULIE TATCHELL AND AMANDA MIDDLEDITCH WIN A BEAR i n our last article, we dividing our time efficiently talked about taking a is quite a challenge! Can you find which word in the list below is missing break. Well, we did! We from the grid? The words may appear vertically, hori- took stock and reviewed This is ‘au revoir’ and not zontally or on the diagonal. our situation and came to ‘goodbye’ because we are the decision that, amongst intending to send in the oc- Email your answer to [email protected] before some other commitments, casional Teddy Bear Doc- 20th April. One lucky reader will win a fabulous mini we should no longer be tors update and we have teddy bear, so don’t forget to include your name and writing the Teddy Bear Doc- some very exciting plans address details. tors feature. moving forward. Please do follow us on our social NNDC E S A R T P Z J L M J B P We have always tried, and media platforms or website, R WO G Q E T F Y J R L K W M R H we believe succeeded, in www.bearitinmind.com, E P F T T E G E T V E I E X Z WD keeping our contribution to where all our news will be T UEN S U Y C I NMD RG P YN Teddy Bear Times fresh and announced. L BA B YOR QR F R EMH K UA interesting for you all. Now, I IMZ I V B AC J F AU Y N Z S with so many constraints on So, it now just remains HAA R F C F Y J B Z L HH UQE our time, we simply don’t for us to thank the editorial C I A D GW J J D H U GM E E Z P believe we can continue to team at Teddy Bear Times R GY Y L Z B Y H N F N K R A J C offer you all the full attention for their constant support T HG U O H T Y R R E M Z V V MW you deserve. and all our lovely readers L QKM R R F P A X DW J M L U R who have made writing the Those of you who have article so worthwhile. followed our journey over the years will know that we Keep loving those bears!! have grown in recognition Julie and Amanda and reputation and are now HUGMEE AETNA honoured to be accepted as IDEAL WENDY BOSTON ‘key experts’ for the BBC2 CHILTERN STEIFF show, The Repair Shop. We HECLA FARNELL continue to run ‘clinics’ at MERRYTHOUGHT Merrythought twice a year (now over two days) and make regular appearances on BBC Radio Solent in their Ask the Expert slot. All these engagements have a positive knock-on effect on our work books - as we are sure you can imagine - and 6 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Visit Rubylane.com to buy and sell Antique and Vintage Teddy Bears, Dolls, and Miniatures! Actual size (24\") replica of the original Aloysius from Brideshead Revisited. (Limited edition of 500. £285) Our 2019 catalogue (£5) is now available. This shows 327 bears, mostly limited editions exclusive to Teddy Bears of Witney. Shop open Monday (9.30 – 5.30) – Saturday (9.50 – 5) Teddy Bears, 99 High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 6HY T: 01993 706616 e: [email protected] www.teddybears.co.uk 7T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S & F R I E N D S

CHARLIE BEARS Wilfy’s top 10 Charlie Bears for Spring/Summer 2019 Enter a world of fantasy and fabulousness; from JJ, a large lovable bear, to woodland creatures, wild animals and some beautiful beasts, even Wilfy was spoilt for choice BY WILL MORRIS f rom the first time that the original it very difficult to keep them a secret! Cherrie Pie and Lollipop 12 samples came back from the However, this year the whole collection factory in late 2005, I’ve always (well mostly - Mrs Toastie!) was kept a choose from, I am really struggling to hoped I’d never lose the excite- huge secret until our official launch on narrow it down to just 10 but here are ment of opening the boxes and intro- the 18th January 2019. some of my must-have highlights from ducing myself to the new collection. this year’s collection… Over 13 years later and I’m pleased Hundreds of collectors tuned in to to report that I still get a thump in my watch our Willy Wonka style reveal of Right at the top of my list for many heart, a tingling in my hands and dizzi- the brand-new collection live on Face- obvious reasons is the wonderful Dan- ness in my head when I see those new book from The Bearhouse Gallery and dy, our new lion for this year’s Plush characters peeking out at me for the Secret Cupboard at midnight, where Collection. I have always had a real very first time. Charlie lovingly introduced us to every passion for wildlife - especially big single one of her creations for 2019. cats! Characters like Linus, Savannah I am so lucky that I get to see the and Kiri hold a special place within my new collection many months in ad- So, which characters have made it heart and then came along not one but vance of our retailers and collectors into my top 10 for the first six months two big cats in the same year. Dandy and, as many of you will know, I find of the year? I may need to cheat a little and Clock - I know, I know, I’m cheat- bit here; with 90 paw-some designs to ing as Clock isn’t released until the second half of the year - but this lion Dandy and Clock pairing definitely shouldn’t be sepa- rated! From the first time I saw them, I just melted with excitement knowing how popular they would be with many of our Charlie Bears collectors and because I get to share my passion for big cats all over again. The cover stars (for very good rea- son) of Issue 5 of the Sneaky Peeks & 8 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

CHARLIE BEARS Queen’s Beasts Secrets magazine (exclusively avail- bearing a badge or arms of a family date (China the Bull, Goliath the Lion, able to our Best Friends Club mem- associated with the ancestry of Queen Oona the Unicorn and the amazing bers) are the Incredible Cherry Pie Elizabeth II. What many people won’t Grumbleweed the Dragon) I am hop- and Lollipop. They will both make their know is that Charlie and a few of the ing that Charlie will add the other six debut appearances on QVC shop- other bear cubs at The Bearhouse characters to this amazing collection, ping channels in the UK and USA in the in the UK love to collect British coins all designed by the incredibly talented summer months. Limited to just 2000 depicting, amongst many other things, Alison Mills. pieces of each character, these two scenes involving the Queen’s Beasts. bear-illiant bear cubs, with their beau- Over the last 13 years Charlie and tiful vibrant tones of plush and at 12 As soon as Charlie started to collect I have been very lucky to have some bear paws high (14” / 36cm), will add these, I could see that she was already very loyal employees globally who we a big splash of colour to any collection. thinking about her next mini series now like to think of as good friends. Whilst we know that many collectors of characters and I have to say this is One big character (in size and per- have traditional tastes in bears and love one of my favourites so far. With just sonality) stepped into The Bearhouse to collect brown, golden or black bears, four of the 10 characters released to office in the UK back in January 2016 to sometimes we just like to make a bold statement and create a bit of drama (or is that just me?) - well anyway, this colourful pair certainly do that! The Queen’s Beasts are 10 heraldic statues representing the genealogy of Queen Elizabeth II, depicted as the Royal Supporters of England. Each of The Queen’s Beasts consists of an heraldic beast supporting a shield 9T E D D Y B E A R T I M E S & F R I E N D S

CHARLIE BEARS fill a new role as our Global IT manag- er (something that up until then, myself and our Finance Director Ben used to fumble our way around). Jon Jones (also known as JJ) made such a differ- ence to the business that, within a few weeks, we all sat back and said: “Why didn’t we do this before?” Making the JJ bear was probably one of the easiest designs for Char- lie to come up with on the basis that we needed a big character with a soft heart. JJ, who is well over 6ft tall, is also a volunteer for the Cornish Coastguard and after over 20 years of service with them, has now been pro- moted to the Station Chief! Our JJ has made his way in to the very special Bigger Bears Collection, where all the bears are at least 25 bear paws high (30”/ 76cm) and he is limited to only 1000 pieces worldwide. Whilst he may look big, brown and grizzly on the out- JJ side, JJ really is a big softy (a man after 10 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

CHARLIE BEARS Dunk Robin Hood and his Merrymen Speedy and Slow Coach my own heart). top 10 favourites but as Charlie says – that’s the right answer Charlie! This year’s collection features many there is “always room for one more Happy collecting and I look forward bear” so I choose…our Fables series characters from Folklores and Fables in the Plush Collection. I know there to catching up with you later in the and when Charlie told me that she are eight characters but who’s count- year to go through the second half of wanted to create the Robin Hood ing? This incredible range of limited the year’s releases… series, my mind wandered as to what edition characters of only 600 pieces they all could be. She wouldn’t tell any each worldwide was created by Alison Will x of the team what she had been dis- Mills and inspired by the wonderfully cussing with Isabelle and so when the creative mind of Charlie. As a child I Kisses characters started arriving, the boxes grew up with many of these fantasti- were opened to many gasps, ooohs cally moralistic stories and the creation and ahhhs. They are all made from mo- of these characters has brought some hair and alpaca and are each limited to lovely childhood memories flood- just 300 pieces worldwide. Robin Hood ing back. Who can forget the story of is a handsome badger, Will Scarlet the Hare and the Tortoise (which is is a fox, Friar Tuck is a lovely little strangely something that I repeat to my hedgehog and of course Little John is staff on a regular basis) and another of a great big Elephant – just bear-illiant. my favourites, The Gingerbread Man, But who’s missing? Could ‘she’ make named Dunk by me! it in to the collection later this year? But please don’t ask me, as you know I When I asked Charlie who her can’t keep a secret! favourite in this Fables series is, she reluctantly said: “Kisses - because OK so I’m cheating a bit (again) when she met me, she met her Prince” as in theory, we are now at 13 of my 11TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Haven Bears PIPEDREAM BEARS LIQUIDATING 20 YEAR VANDERBEAR COLLECTION www.havenbears.co.uk tel 01612858254 01606 881633 Full family outfits (Nutcracker, [email protected] Wild West, Giberney, Out of Africa, Bacton Bears www.bearsandpugs.com Classic Plaid, Tree Trimming, and the Bacton, Stowmarket, IP14 4NF 01449 781087 Hidden Cove Bears Picnic set) and extensive Mu° y Vanderbear collection-limited edition holiday Mu° ys, Mu° y Vanderbear club butterfly, original outfits (witch, Thanksgiving, etc) plus special furniture (wardrobe, cherry pie cupboard, desk, etc). Email: Elizabeth at [email protected] if interested. ETSY SHOP DIRECTORY Steiff, Merrythought, Hermann, www.hiddencovebears.co.uk For more artist bears, see our Etsy Directory on page 39 Shoebutton Bears, Jellycat and more [email protected] or our website: www.bactonbears.co.uk Tel: 01626 853251 www.teddybeartimes.com under ‘Extras’. To be included, call Maria on + 44 (0) 7730 622416 or email: [email protected] UX’BEARies Where bears are not just bears and people are not just customers! Specializing in mohair and custom hand dyed teddies [email protected] uxbearies.weebly.com 18 Elm Hill Norwich NR3 1HN Probably the largest range of Charlie Bears w w w. J U L I E S H E P H E R D . c o m in the UK and lots of artist bears www.bearshops.co.uk [email protected] 12 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Delightful collectible bears lovingly handcrafted from the finest quality fabrics, yellow.agency specialising in turning vintage fur coats into heirloom bears. www.bearleighbears.com Email: [email protected] • +9 61 438016714. (Australia) The only race track in Basle. SWMB_Anz_TeddyBaerTimes_Rennstrecke_197x84mm_E.indd 1 Toy Worlds Museum Basle | Museum, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 18, in December, daily from 10 to 18 Ristorante La Sosta and Boutique, daily from 9.30 to 18 Steinenvorstadt 1, CH-4051 Basel | www.swmb.museum Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel 10.12.18 09:43 13TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST Clare’s wild about creating bears from local fleece Clare Fowler-Potts uses fleece from native Orkney Island sheep to create her wonderful miniature bears and finds inspiration in her Scottish surroundings for their names too BY CARRIE BROOKS t he beautiful Orkney she makes them more and so he joined my hug of bears.” Islands stand off the as a hobby these days. When it comes to names for her north-east coast of “Although my paint- Scotland and attract ing dominates my life needlefelted bears, which are gener- hundreds of visitors each I always find time for ally white or gray in color, Clare again year who go to admire the bears; creating these wee draws on inspiration from the Orkney stunning rugged scenery, characters is so absorb- Islands and their Scottish heritage. to watch the seabirds that ing and I have the chance “The names are inspired by Scottish thrive there, do some fish- to let my imagination run place names, such as Findo Gask, Her- ing in the lochs or simply free.” miston Gait, Dory Bristle and Arabella just to get away from it all. and are also based around Orcadian Clare tends to keep words: ‘Peedie Faerie’ (little fairy), One of the Orkney her bears quite small, ‘Heather Lintie’ (twite) and ‘Tammy Islands, Stronsay, is home about 10cm (4in) or Norrie’ (puffin). Funnily enough, I to teddy bear artist Clare smaller and the limbs always seem to know the name of the Fowler-Potts, once known as Thistle are jointed using upholstery thread. bear before I have finished making Bears. “It is very beautiful and more of- “I like to needlefelt my bears at the and dressing them - I am almost 100% ten than not very windy too! I live here moment and use the wool from North sure they tell me!” with Anthony my husband of a ridicu- Ronaldsay sheep - a prehistoric breed lous number of years, our extremely that live on seaweed. I buy my rovings Clare hasn’t always lived on Stron- good natured dog Charlie, two Polish (the lengths of fleece) from the Island’s say - the Orkney Islands were once her bantams called Artur and Sophie who mill. When I started making bears all favorite holiday destination and now are eccentric and most intellectual, those years ago, I made them from she has made them her home. “My due to their fondness for Radio 3, and upholstery fabric, still using Xtra strong best ever holiday experience though also four guinea pigs who appeared upholstery thread, and they were in was sitting in a hide on the Finnish- in our garden one day and took up varying sizes. They are very different Russian border, brown bear watching. permanent residence.” now, although occasionally I do make a Although I must have taken a thousand small fellow (about 15cm) very similar photos, it is the sounds I remember: The abundant wildlife that surrounds to my old style.” the snoring and scratching, belching Clare’s Orkney home is constant inspi- These wee fellows are always a and breaking wind - the whole thing ration for her work. “I started making true Scot, fully regaled in a kilt, Tam was magical!” bears about 15 years ago, inspired by O’Shanter and sporran! The name cor- a pattern I found in TBT - of course!” responds to the tartan Clare has used, Clare sells her bears through some e.g. ‘Royal Stuart’. “My favorite of these local shops and via her own website. Bear making is just one of the crafts was called James Stuart, dressed in a “I fully intend to make more bears Clare has mastered and after several Dress Stuart tartan. He still lives with us and keep painting wildlife, improving years she began to focus more on her in fact. He was the first one to wear felt my skills and to bring to reality all the painting which captures the animals shoes and I thought he looked such a things my imagination is creating.” and scenery that she is lucky to live dandy fellow I couldn’t part with him alongside. She is now a full time artist With the vast coastline surrounding but her love of bears continues though the islands that are now her home, the sky really is the limit. 14 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST THE BEAR FACTS: Clare Fowler-Potts email: [email protected] sales: www.ortak.co.uk sales: www.OrkneyBrewery.co.uk 15TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST Love2 for Teddy Bea Rob and Shane Elliott were both teddy bear artisans with a love for the craft and industry. After getting married, they soon merged their brands to create E2 Bears I n 2002, Shane began a long stint BY LAUREN C. NIELSEN from the outdoors and nature whether in making artisan teddy bears. It it be in a blizzard or walking through was only two years prior, in 2000, Bears. E2 is in reference to the both of the forest on a fall day,” Rob says, “We that he had first discovered artisan them now having the name ‘Elliott.’ love walking through yarn and fiber teddy bears. stores or antique stores looking for The look steam-punk ideas to find inspiration.” “Shane had done a studio tour where there was a lady making Both Shane and Rob bring unique This inspiration leads to the con- teddy bears from old fur coats,” says talents to the E2 brand. “Rob brings temporary signature look of E2 Bears. Rob Boger-Elliott, “He watched and an eye for color and aesthetics when This style includes felted faces, big thought it was fascinating and looked making fabric choices as well as pulled-toes, and hand-sculpted like a lot of fun.” shading,” Shane describes, “Rob polymer-clay noses. “With that said,” also has an extensive background Rob adds, “Not all of our bears have Shane then started researching the in photography that helps bring our felted faces, as we like to give our art and ended up buying a commer- creations to life.” In addition to these bears different looks as well.” cial pattern online and an old fur coat valuable skills, Rob has a knack for from a second-hand store. “After a picking up skills such as needle- A typical day lot of fur flying, his first bear named felting and coming up with his own Bentley was born.” methods that both Rob and Shane use Typically, Rob and Shane begin a on their bears. creating day by determining their Two years later, in 2002, he be- vision for their creation. Will it be a came part of a duo known as The “Shane has an immense knowl- bear? A cat? An elephant? After that, Bear Guys. This is when he fell in edge of bear-making and a super they figure out the color and type of love with the teddy bear industry and creative mind,” Rob shares, “He’s a fur to use, then “scour through all of discovered other teddy bear makers great bear designer as well as a mas- and collectors. ter at fabricating accessories for the bears such as steam-punk hats, hand- By the time 2013 rolled around, knit scarves and hats, and more.” Shane had decided to venture out on his own, starting his own business The duo finds inspiration for their called The Little Bear Guy. Soon after, E2 Bears from not only other teddy Shane met Rob Boger and began to bear artists and doll-makers but also teach him how to make bears. from traditional arts, like sculpting and painting. “We also find inspiration Rob’s love for making teddy bears grew and he began creating and selling his own artist bears under the business name Fuzzy Bottom Bears. Teddy bears brought Shane and Rob together and they married in July of 2017. After getting married, the two also decided to merge their teddy bear businesses and created E2 16 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST ars 17TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST 18 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST our fur to figure out if we have what we From there, they have a similar one spot. They do have a spare-room need…that usually isn’t an issue with process to other artists, tracing and that acts as a studio of sorts, but the our huge stash of fur,” Rob admits. cutting out pieces, then sewing them majority of their work occurs while sit- together. Where they differ from other ting on the couch beside one another. Their stash of fur includes real fur, artists is that they hand-sew all of their mohair, alpaca, and high-end synthetic creations. After the hand-sewing process is furs. Shane and Rob also use high- complete, they stuff the creation and quality felting fibers when felting faces. This hand-sewing process allows put it together before adding finishing Their bears’ eyes are German glass Rob and Shane to work wherever they touches. Some finishing touches in- eyes and the noses are hand-sculpted may feel instead of confining them to from polymer clay. 19TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST clude needle-felting or shading, which experiment with new techniques and THE BEAR FACTS: depending on the piece, could take ideas.” hours to complete. Their most valuable E2 Bears tools are their small felting tables that “Just like work and life,” Shane and Shane & Rob Elliott can sit on their laps, making the hours- Rob advise other creators, “Enjoy what facebook: facebook.com/e2bears long process of needle-felting much you are doing and learn from your email: [email protected] easier. mistakes. And most importantly–keep going.” Love of bears In addition to making teddy bears, Even though Rob and Shane work Shane works for the Canadian govern- on bears together, they each have a ment and Rob, just having moved to different favorite. Shane’s favorite is Canada, is looking forward to getting Maurice, a brand-new design that back into the world of Information includes needle-felting and Rob’s fa- Technology. They enjoy taking part in vorite is named Hunter, a cat modeled other hobbies such as photography, after their own cat. hiking, and knitting. “Beyond that,” Rob adds, we are constantly looking The two artists both love the person- at other opportunities to learn and ality and soulfulness of teddy bears. grown, such as taking classes in paint- “We love that each teddy bear speaks ing, glass blowing, and sculpting.” to someone since each teddy bear is unique, just like the collectors who Shane and Rob are both TOBY adopt them into their family,” Rob tells award-winning artists. They both try to us, “We love watching when that con- look out for everyone around them and nection is made between bear and bring fun to all. “We have been fortu- collector.” nate over the years to make some in- credible friendships in the bear world When asked, “What’s next?” The amongst other artists and collectors,” two replied saying, “We are continuing Rob states, “And we love to be around to evolve and merge our designs and people who love bears.” 20 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

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‘ MEET THE ARTIST ‘ Karen loves that “teddy bears are like dogs. They love you no matter what you like, where you’re from or how old you are. 22 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Out of your comfort zone & into the studio Stepping out of her comfort zone is what got Karen Knapp into teddy bears; now her Tindle Bears delight collectors with their bright faces and unique personalities BY LAUREN C. NIELSEN O ne piece of advice bear artist under the busi- of coffee. Then, she puts on a podcast that Karen always ness name Tindle Bears. and gets to work, digging into her shares with other Karen’s studio is located on cabinet of fur or pulling out a notebook teddy bear makers her property in her home- of sketches so she can start designing. and artists is to, “Step out town of Xenia, Ohio. of your comfort zone.” Inspiration comes to her from every- Since starting out making thing from “a vintage doily to the way That’s exactly what Ka- bears, Karen has been able water flows in a river.” This inspira- ren did when she first be- to upgrade her workplace tion allows her to start designing by gan making teddy bears. “My two year from a corner of the kitchen table to a sketching her ideas in a notebook. old son asked me for a teddy bear that beautiful 16’ x 21’ studio. “I absolutely These ideas are “what I use to develop he called, ‘tindle bear’ in his toddler love it!” she exclaims, “In the summer, my patterns,” Karen continues. English. I had never made one before it’s open air so I can hear the birds. The so my first attempt ended up looking dogs can come and go as they please. After lunch, Karen spends her after- more like a beaver,” she tells us. In the winter, it’s heated and the sky- noon out in her studio. “If it’s a good lights give off the best natural light.” lighting day, I take product photos, post Once that first bear was created, First thing every morning, Karen a Facebook update for the fans and both the hobby and the name stuck! makes sure to pour herself a hot cup usually take a break for tea. If I’m into Karen now works full time as a teddy a really great project, I pack up my ‘kit’ 23TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST in my vintage sewing case and work over with me and has become my on it in the house after supper.” ‘Marketing Team Leader.’ I have the most fun posing him on our adventures One of Karen’s most valuable tools and posting his antics on social media.” is the Hemostat clamp: “I have six different sizes and use them daily!” Recently, Karen made a 20” dragon she shares. As for materials, Karen’s that sits on your shoulder. “During a favorite is, “Wild fur! I also collect and show,” she tells us, “There was a lady use old watch parts, vintage jewelry completely enamored with him. While I and buttons. I love to incorporate them was running her card, she started cry- into my creations.” ing and said, ‘He just speaks to me.’” These materials and tools help to Karen loves that “teddy bears are create the Tindle Bears’ ‘signature like dogs. They love you no matter look’ which Karen’s heard described what you like, where you’re from or as “bright expressive faces.” However, how old you are.” Karen often hears collectors at shows say, “They’re all so different!” The many Next on the horizon, Karen wants different creations with bright, expres- to see her at-home studio grow a little sive faces are “probably what makes more. “I have a few collaborations in me stand out a bit,” she admits. the works with fellow artists and a few shops I’ll be adding my products to. Out of all of her creations, Karen I’m excited for this next year!” does have one favorite named Pudgie. “I never made myself anything,” she As for the future of teddy bears, explains, “I always sold everything I Karen’s been “seeing some amazing made. In 2016, I made Pudgie, a 10” work coming from the next generation floppy doll for myself. He travels all of artists. It’s really exciting to watch. I think the future holds a lot of potential.” 24 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST ‘ I also collect and ‘ use old watch parts, vintage jewelry and buttons. I love to incorporate them into my creations. 25TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

SALE ROOM NEWS There’s always room for one more bear After a very successful January sale, Vectis Auctions are looking forward to hosting the largest single owner collection of Charlie Bears ever to be sold BY JOANNE MCDONALD, VECTIS AUCTIONS t he first part of the Joan Donachie hammer fell at £1,700. sale £40-£60 estimate was demolished Collection, sold in the last Vectis Lot no 4622 was much admired, when she was snapped up for £340. Sale, in January 2019, was much anticipated, with the bears and an extremely rare Steiff Jocko Chimp Much more to come in March animals snapped up by eager col- from the 1930’s. He was not a standard lectors. There were some surprising Steiff line, being created in this spiced Overwhelmingly, the one comment results across the board. Here are just ginger color, and was thought to be uttered by new visitors to Vectis is a few of the more unusual ones: a special order. Highly desirable, he “Wow, I did not realise it was this big”. sold for £2,900, four times his initial Sitting within an 18 acre site, there is Lot no. 4480, a majestic Cinnamon pre-sale estimate of £700-£900. plenty of space for all types of toys and Bear - This vintage, center seam had collectables, hundreds of thousands an aristocratic air about him that defi- The bidders certainly did not slum- of which pass through on their way nitely attracted much interest. Circa ber when it came to Lot no. 4520 - a to some of the farthest reaches of the 1909, he retained his underscored 1930’s Merrythought ‘Slumber Cat’, globe. “f” button and had black boot button with embroidered label to his right eyes. He went over his initial estimate foot, green and black inset glass eyes, Dealing with the vast diversity and of £800-£1200 to hit a hammer price of painted nose, horse hair whiskers, quantity of items is an everyday event, £1,600. wool outer ears, felt inner ears, unjoint- so when faced with over 500 Char- ed, wearing a white cotton bib. A pre- lie Bears from one single owner, this Another superb result was for lot no. 4535, ‘Binker’, a magnificent 1930’s seemed like a walk in the park. Chiltern Hugmee teddy bear, named Started in February 2006 by Char- after the poem from A A Milne’s book, “Now We Are Six”, in rich, blond, curly lotte Morris and her husband William, mohair. He smashed his pre-sale price Charlie Bears have had a meteoric of £140-£160 to be snapped up, after rise to popularity over a relatively frenzied bidding, for £520. short period of time. Charlotte had built up a wealth of experience with Lot 4621 presented a Steiff vintage rare Purzel (som- customers, design and pricing, ersault) elephant, Art No having run a couple of successful 9323, made from 1909- Teddy Bear shops in the North 1910, this being the rarest of England. Charlie Bears of all Steiff tumbling animals, initially launched with twelve only appearing in the cata- bears in the range, designed logue for two years. He not by Heather Lyell from New only held his button with Zealand and Isabelle Lee underscored “f” but had from the US; today these are the remains of his white some of the most elu- paper tag too. Estimated sive and sought-after at £1,000-£1,500, the Charlie Bears on the market. Currently, the range includes 26 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

SALE ROOM NEWS Steiff Theo & Luther Lemon Sherbet Plumo (mixture of plush and mohair), 7023 - in golden mohair (SJ 4204) pro- Isabelle Collection, Minimo (smaller duced in a limited edition, he comes bears), Secret Collection (not in the complete with CB carry bag. Estimate regular catalogue but for QVC or £100-£200 other country specials), Animals, Ac- cessories, Plush and Baby collections. Sherbet Lemon, a Non-UK Special, Lot 7117 (SJ 4782) - sold in 2011, this The assortment in the Vectis Sale bear has luxurious, long pile, pale yel- to be held on Thursday 28th March low mohair with a slight crimp to the features bears and animals from across fur which begs to be touched. She has the board. A few notable pieces are: a soft yellow embroidered nose and Sally, Isabelle Collection, Lot 7094 - a magical panda bear, released in 2009, (SJ 4030). She is made in unusual white mohair which has a light dash of dark blue to its tip, contrasted with violet with dark blue tip mohair for her limbs and eye patches. A neat embroi- dered blue nose and pleading eyes give this handy sized (9.5”/ 24cm) bear added appeal. Estimate £80-£120 Cheesecake, Isabelle Collection, Lot 27TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

SALE ROOM NEWS ‘ Her desirable designs have ‘ Cupid infinite appeal and her dragons come in a paint box of colors. wears a bell and matching ribbon to lighting to top and black eyes seated and a menagerie of creatures. Joan her neck. Estimate £80-£120 on white felt. A really beautiful bear had a passion for terriers and was who commands attention at 21”/53cm. well known for breeding, judging and Blueberry Muffin, Lot 7025, from the Estimate £100-£140 showing West Highland White Terriers. Isabelle Collection (SJ 4531) - Many There are a few in the sale in mohair, popular sold out CB editions are Vibrant, wacky, different - this de- plus other pedigree and scruffs sitting, released in a different size as An- scription could be applied to both the standing and on wheels from Steiff, niversary releases; however this and creator of Kaycee bears and the prod- Farnell, Merrythought, Chiltern, Pedi- the others mentioned are the first and ucts themselves! After working single gree and some character creations. rarer editions. Crafted in extra-long handed for several years, Kelsey Cun- There is a large quantity of teddy bear pile, gray with purple tip mohair this ningham took the decision to expand books, ephemera, wonderful books panda has a cream head finished with her cottage industry which now boasts filled with scraps, a selection of Black a soft lavender stitched nose. Estimate a handful of staff including her very Forest carved wooden pieces, tinplate £100-£200 helpful parents. Her desirable designs toys, roly poly, chairs, accessories and have infinite appeal and her dragons dolls. Miss Havisham, Lot 7102, is another come in a paint box of colors, several Isabelle Collection panda bear, (SJ of which are included in the sale. Jean and Bill Ashburner under the 5257) - marketed in 2013, she has a name of ‘Bear Bits’, create some of the subtle mix of soft brown and dusky Furry friends most impressive and sought-after artist pink curly mohair with shaped trapun- bears in the world. It was a sad day to paws, pink stitched nose, with high- The second part of the Joan Don- for many when they took the recent achie collection offers more wonder- decision to scale down their operation ful bruins, plus a kennel full of dogs 28 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

SALE ROOM NEWS to take very well-deserved retirement. comment on the period. Other charac- bears, Helga Torfs, Humpy Dumpy This coincided with a move to beauti- ter bears include a suitcase of Pad- Bears, also creates more traditional ful Avoch, Scotland to a quaint cottage. dingtons, a Lakeland Bear and several teds. The one in the Vectis auction At the time of the move, Vectis were Ruperts. sports a handmade tailored waistcoat. privileged to be able to offer some There is a vast quantity of other artist, Bear Bits prototypes and samples from Artist bear collectors will not be dis- Hermann, Deans, Merrythought and their archives. Space at the new home appointed, with offerings such as ‘The Edward Cramer, including Club Pieces is at a premium, and Bill and Jean have Old Flag Bear’ from Marie Robischon, and Open Day Specials. now decided to part with a few of their a wonderfully patriotic bruin in sparse personal collection. We have two stun- mohair with aged leather pads wear- ● For more information about the ning early Steiff bears who are ready ing an American military style jacket, sale please contact Joanne McDonald for new adventures: neckerchief, woollen gilet, army trews, [email protected] or Kathy cloth cap and sporting his medals. An Taylor [email protected] on Theo: a striking, 24”/ 61cm blond amazing piece of artistry. +44 (0) 1642 750616. mohair bear, sporting a leather col- lar, black boot button eyes, vertically Known for her fairy and woodland stitched black nose and mouth, fully jointed, with black claw stitching, hump Helga Torfs; Marie Robischon to back and elongated arms, undeni- able Steiff in every area. His compan- ion Luther, is made in a softer hue of pale cinnamon and has an expression to melt your heart. Fully jointed, with felt pads he is 20”/50 cm of must have bear! In the 1980s, a cottage industry run by Laura Grant produced plush bears in various guises, based on traditional British themes and were dressed in wax jackets, tartan kilts, flat caps and tweeds, all with one common theme of wellies! A play on the ‘Sloane Ranger’ fashions of the period, these pocket- sized plush teds were sold in tourist centers and popular craft shops across the country under the brand name ‘The Welli Bear Gang by Laura Grant’. The collection in the auction make a fun statement and even make a social 29TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST Behind the doors of China Cupboard bears Expanding from small beginnings to a cottage industry and back, bears have been at the center of Cindy McGuire’s life for more than thirty years, with no plans for that to change BY JILL MUNDY C indy McGuire lives in a small tending the larger regional shows and tion can come from the silliest hat or Midwest town near Colum- then wholesaling to the Toy Industry. button, as well as a customer’s desire.” bus, Ohio, named Marion. “My My home-based business then be- husband and I left New York and came a cottage industry, with a staff of The animals Cindy creates are settled here after college and have five at times.” beautifully made and accessorized; raised our four children. We now have each one brings a smile to the faces of seven grandchildren. I have been mak- It was the love of antique dolls that those who see them. There is a certain ing bears for almost 30 years, just after inspired Cindy’s trading name: China humor about each of them that is so we had our fourth child.” Cupboard Bears. When she was exhib- endearing. iting only antique dolls, she was known This was after 16 years of working in for her china doll heads - so the China “My favorite piece is always THE the floral industry.Yet Cindy’s educa- Cupboard was born. This morphed NEXT ONE. I love the challenge but tion is in fashion design–you only need into China Cupboard Bears when while some pieces linger longer at my to take a look at one of her bears or the bears took over from the dolls as house, my busy show schedule keeps critters to see that she is a very talent- Cindy’s business. turnover a constant.” ed designer and needleworker. With fans of her bears all over the Currently, family commitments allow So what took Cindy from world, Cindy was able to travel widely, Cindy to exhibit her bears only in the flowers to furry critters? exhibiting at shows in England, Ger- US where she still enjoys the social many and eventually in Japan. “This side. “I have met an extraordinary “Bear making started when my stretched my customer base, with me number of people over the years, from collection of antique dolls outgrew the also eventually teaching classes in collectors to fellow bear artists, to busi- house. That was when I started selling Japan. It was so rewarding to find that ness folk. I would love to do the Singa- at local Doll shows. I soon ran out of an- so many people speak ‘BEAR’!” pore show again one day and maybe tiques to sell and started to make dolls Teddybear Total and Hugglets too. and teddy bears to fill my booth space Cindy favors traditional mohair fab- However, looking to the future, I also - and they rapidly sold. Expanding to rics but is also open to new ideas. “My feel I must slow down a bit and enjoy shows on the East Coast allowed me to bears have an antique flavor, as that is more traveling with my hubby. We are visit family, from Boston to Florida, and what speaks to me. I have also dab- big time into camping and want to see I became a full time bear maker, at- bled in some of the newer man-made more of the world via our tent.” fabrics for their ‘touchability’ and look.” I can’t help but think that these With a history in fashion design, it is future travels will be the catalyst for no surprise that fabric plays a big part even more China Cupboard bears and in the development of Cindy’s designs. critters - we can’t wait to see them! “Costuming has always been a big part of my creations and made me THE BEAR FACTS: unique to the industry. Being a mascot costume designer for several years Collins Gifts furthered my designing skills and I email: [email protected] started to make all manor of birds and web: www.collinsgifts.com cats, dogs and other animals. Inspira- from: Rye, New Hampshire USA 30 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST 31TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Supplier of Stei , 117 North Canal St. Hermann, Merrythought Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614 collectible and limited 330-854-0481 edition bears. Mini Eeyore UK and worldwide delivery available EAN 683541 www.justbears.co.uk Untitled-1 1 26/02/2019 12:24:22 Applicationforms: www.niesjewolters.nl [email protected] Call: 0031 630099458 Mini Tigger 32 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS EAN 683664 Two owrdewr ca.lkl Leinidlal.orsteddybears.com SMHAOWGCAAZSEINYOEUSR These stunning slipcases are the perfect way to store your copies of Teddy Bear Times. They’ve been designed especially for the new-look magazine and reflect the title’s luxury look and feel. Richly-embossed with the Teddy Bear Times logo in gold on the spine, these elegantly-bound slip- cases in a gorgeous deep red will protect and organise 6 issues. Order one today for only £12.99. Call us free on 0800 435553 or order easily online. P&P/Shipping costs: add £2.99 UK, £5.99 Rest of World Call free on 0800 435553 in the UK or 01903 884988. Order online: www.teddybeartimes.com

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COLLECTING Rare American Linda Ellen Brown-Trinckes covers the unique characteristics of seven rare, pre-1920 American Teddy Bears in her collection Off-white BMC S BY LINDA ELLEN BROWN-TRINCKES ome of my favorite bears in expression on his face. Toughy is Cindy my collection are the elusive, an early Ideal American bear with hard to find American bears medium-long light gold mohair. He Blonde Hecla from the early 1900’s, prior to 1920. also has boot button eyes, a triangular 34 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS Bears from this early on often do not black-stitched nose, four claws on come with identification so it requires each paw, and felt paw pads. His mo- extensive research and a trained eye hair is in very good condition, but is to spot certain distinguishing char- thinner on his left arm where he must acteristics. Many of these bears were have been carried around by his made for only a short time by compa- little master. Toughy dates to about nies that did not last long, merged, or 1907-1908 judging by his long arms were bought out by other companies, and legs, boot button eyes, and broad changing the characteristics of the shoulders with a hump on his back. bears they made after the change. If you have Ken Yenke’s Teddy Bear Very few of these early American Treasury Vol II, you may have seen bears were made, and fewer still have a picture of an early Ideal with boot remained after over 100 years have button eyes and fabric inset nose like now passed. The ones that remain Tillie and another picture of a 1907 were cared for and treasured to have Ideal teddy bear that resembles survived. What stories they could tell! Toughy. Ideal Toy and Novelty Co. is Tillie thought to have been the first com- pany to manufacture teddy bears in Tillie is a 20” early Ideal with boot the U.S. as early as 1904. button eyes, an inset triangular fabric nose, four claw stitches on the paws, Bruin (BMC) Bears short gold mohair, and felt paw pads. At the same auction I bought She wears a long white gown with Toughy, I found two fabulous early embroidered rosebuds. Tillie was Bruin (BMC) bears and an early found in an antique mall and looked Aetna. One of the bears in the auction like a great companion for another was stated to have once belonged bear I previously acquired, Toughy. to Paul and Rosemary Volpp; clearly Tillie may be from about 1910. these bears were from an exceptional Toughy collection. The auctioneer said that the collector wished to remain anony- Toughy got his name because of mous. Someone parted with some the ‘Strong Guy’ appearance of his amazing bears and I was fortunate 22” body with big shoulders and to get four very fine early American arms and the ‘Don’t Mess with Me’ treasures!

COLLECTING n Bears Sunshine The 17” yellow mohair Bruin, Sun- Tillie and Toughy part of American history and evi- shine, is in wonderful condition. It is a dence of the love they have received rare color and has glass eyes, a fabric Hecla Bears and given to those children and fami- inset nose, and felt paw pads. lies that were blessed with their com- My 12” Hecla bear is from around pany for a period of time over the last My other BMC is a 12” off-white 1906 and has blonde mohair and 100 plus years. The fact that they are bear with a working squeaker, circa large boot button eyes, a rust colored in such amazingly good condition is 1906-1907. He has a stitched nose nose, claws stitching and felt paw evidence they were will cared for and and boot button eyes. This bear is a pads. She belonged to a school hopefully will last to grace our lives rare early version. teacher named Helen and came many more years. with a note about her history. Hecla The 17” yellow mohair Bruin of only made bears for a short 2-3 year For more from Linda Ellen Brown- mine is similar to a Bruin that is a period and the bears are extremely Trinckes, visit her website at www. copper color in Ken Yenke’s Teddy rare. trinckesartandmusic.com Bear Treasury, Vol I. The copper Bruin is a 1907 bear and has glass eyes Aetna Bears Aetna just like my ‘Sunshine.’ Sue Pearson’s book also have a similar bruin; Sue My American Aetna 11” bear says the New York based Bruin Manu- has light gold mohair, boot but- facturing Co (BMC) only made bears ton eyes and originates circa from 1907-1909 so they are extremely rare. 1906-1907. In Ken Yenke’s Teddy Bear Treasury Vol I, there Cindy is an Aetna bear listed–notice the curved top of the head and The 18” orange-gold mohair teddy ears. Some Aetnas were made in my collection is named Cindy. She with cardboard under their foot has glass eyes, a stitched nose and pads, but not all. claws, felt paw pads, and wears a red and white striped jumper and antique I have been fortunate glasses Cindy probably dates to indeed to acquire these about 1912 and is possibly made by beautiful rare bears, a American Stuffed Toy Co. or another small American Manufacturer. 35TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

B+EAR HOSPITAL+EXPERT RESTORER DOT BIRD SHARES SOME OF HER LATEST CASE STUDIES Childhood friends are good as new Two very special bruins in need of some tlc were carefully and lovingly revived then returned to their owners, who were pleased to see their old friends looking so well again H ello everyone and a warm be worked on so the first job was to splits that were there and secured the welcome to my first Bear re-cover all four pads with good qual- loose edges of his ears to his head. Hospital for Teddy Bear ity wool felt that matched the remains of Times and Friends! the originals. The felt was cut into shape, His facial features came next - his As is usual, I have been very busy then pinned and sewn into place fol- mouth lining had several holes and restoring the bears and sometimes lowing the exact shape and size of the the original fabric was very fragile so I other furry friends too. I thought I would original pads. Once his pads were done decided to cover over the original and feature two bears this time - I hope you I checked all his seams, secured the worked around his original tongue. I enjoy reading about them and the work always like to keep as much original ma- carried out. Both of these lovely bears are childhood friends of their original owners and as such, have had many adventures over the years. Bruin - a large American bear The first bear is a large 1920’s Ameri- can boy named Bruin. He stands 26” tall and is very firmly stuffed with woodwool (excelsior), making him quite a heavy armful! As you can see by his ‘before’ image, he needed some tlc to help him survive many more years and en- able him to supervise over the owner’s grandchildren, from a safe distance of course! I began work on him by removing the old replacement pads that were very worn and also some glued areas of ex- posed woodwool. As he was quite dusty and grubby I gave him a very gentle vacuum, followed by a surface clean and allowed him to air off overnight. The following day he was ready to 36 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

terial in place as possible when I restore, pieces that were a good weave match, that way anyone in the future can peep they just needed dyeing to get the color and see what is underneath any new right. The afternoon was spent dyeing pads etc. His velvet tongue had been the cotton pieces until I was happy with lightly sponged when I gave him his the color, then the fabric was pressed clean but it had an old split in it. This was and left to air. Once it had dried I cut out repaired with a lightweight liner under the pad shapes, then carefully pinned the split and the edges were carefully and sewed them into place, following the drawn together. shape of his original pads. Bruin had lost one of his clear glass, Herr Steiff sat beautifully for his ‘after’ painted eyes many years ago so I se- image - a wonderful old Steiff bear with lected a new eye in the correct size to a tale to tell - he had, like his owner, try and match the remaining one. Never been rescued and had survived the an easy task to match an old eye; the Holocaust. He is the only item she has modern eyes are so different, not as flat left from her parents, which is why she and with smaller pupils. However, I have was very upset all those years ago when lots of eyes in stock that I have bought her dog had chewed his feet. over the years and I was lucky to have one that was a good match with pupil Dear old Herr Steiff, a very precious size etc. I just had to paint the back of bear indeed and an honor to work on. it to match the color of the original one. Once the paint had dried and hardened, ● email: [email protected] I aged it to match the wear of the other eye and secured it in to place, in the home. His owner seemed rather upset original eye hole. The last little job was that the little dog had done this to her to tidy his nose stitching and replace the childhood bear and I was very happy to missing stitches with aged embroidery help her. floss. When Herr Steiff came back to me, He sat very well for his ‘after’ image he needed a little more help this time! to be taken, a proud and happy old boy Some exciting adventures with the ready to begin his retirement. I am sure grandchildren had taken its toll on him. there was a twinkle in his eyes when his Work began by giving him a very gentle owner arrived to collect him - and his surface clean to remove the dirt and dust owner thought so too! from his lovely dark brown mohair. Herr Steiff - 1920‘s/30’s Steiff bear After he had aired off overnight, I started work on his face by remov- When the owner of this lovely bear ing the replaced nose stitching (at decided to have him restored she had the owner’s request) and secured forgotten my details and had moved to the split in his muzzle. His nose was France from the UK several years ago. re-sewn with aged floss following the She contacted a London Auction house original stitch holes then I added a and in turn they found me, via Daniel little more woodwool stuffing under Agnew of S.A.S. Auctions. Once I saw the his neck joint to hold his head at a owner’s name, I remembered I had done better angle (again at the owner’s a little restoration to this bear many years request) and also at the tops of his ago and also recalled the story that I had arms where it had begun to separate, been told about him, which I will share in causing a gap. I always try to follow a while. the wishes of the owners but will advise accordingly if it is not feasible or will I first restored this lovely old boy in damage the bear. 2006 when he needed a little help with his leg stuffing and foot pads. At the time His paw and foot pads came next - I the owner’s little dog had chewed the looked through my stock of various piec- foot pads and so he needed new ones, es of vintage cotton, then selected a few which I carried out and sent him back “A wonderful old Steiff bear with a tale to tell.” 37TEDDY BEAR TIMES

BEAR TRAILS The gift of Grace I BY LORRAINE HITCHINGS, GINOS BEARS was it made as a party dress? I t’s Christmas morning and I am surrounded by a number love old teddy bears dressed in of wonderful teddy bears that vintage clothes like this because I have been given as presents - it shows just how much some- old bears, new bears and some body once loved them, as I am that have been handmade, all of them sure so much love went into every single looking at me. stitch. I wish I knew her history, I bet it There is one old teddy bear amongst was beautiful. them who I just cannot stop looking at. I As with all bears who come to live wonder where she has lived all her life with me, whether young or old, I usually before she came to be here with me, take them out with me for the day…you who owned her and how on earth did could call it our first adventure together she end up looking for a new home? and a kind of ‘bonding’. On New Year’s These are just a few of the questions I Day, I took Grace with me for a walk have swimming around in my head when around Tintern Abbey (old bears like I stare into her adorable old eyes. historical places of interest). We stopped Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christ- for morning coffee and Grace sat on mas, not for me anyway, without at least a chair by me. She was immediately one teddy bear peeping out the top of my admired by many (as are all bears out on Christmas stocking and I am a very lucky an adventure) and received more than a girl as there has not been a single year few hugs from well-wishers. yet when my stocking was teddy-empty. Grace has to go into hospital now for Looking out of my stocking on Christ- a very short time to have a new paw pad mas morning last was this absolutely fitted but afterwards, I am certain we will gorgeous old Dean’s Mouse-Eared have many adventures together. Teddy Bear who I have named Grace. Lovely Old Grace was not the only old Not only does this old teddy bear raise bear hiding in my Christmas stocking, big goose bumps on the back of my there were three others; one of them was neck just by looking at her and imagin- a really old handmade teddy bear who I ing the story that must surround her but have named Mercy.You might think this also because her makers gave her some is a strange name for a teddy bear but wonderful history in her own right. there are personal reasons for it. Just like She was made by the famous Dean’s Grace, he intrigues me so very much. Rag Book Company and was named a He has no fur whatsoever left on his old ‘Mouse-Eared Bear’; bears like her had body and one of his eyes (which are old rounded heads and ears sewn to the buttons) is hanging quite loose. I don’t sides. They were made by the company want to fix anything of him because I love from the 1930s right up until the 1950s. him just the way he is. The earlier Mouse-Eared Bears were Who made him, who loved him, who given glass eyes. dressed him in his smart old schoolboy I have been looking to add a bear like cap and school tie? Oh, I wish I knew. Grace to my own collection for a very I could write so many stories about long time, so I was not disappointed him and who knows, maybe one day I when I saw her but then who could be? will. Grace is dressed in a pretty hand cro- cheted green dress which, looking at it, ● Lorraine Hitchings is probably almost as old as she is. Obvi- For Old and Antique Teddy Bears ously someone who loved her had this ginosbears.co.uk beautiful dress made for her. I wonder, 01452 721815 38 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

ETSY The Rupert Wallace Teddy Bear Shop SHOP DIRECTORY Bears lovingly designed and handmade by Kathryn Jones Find teddy bear artists and Tel: +44 (0) 7970 698728 www.lovablebears.fr makers in the Etsy online store Email: [email protected] BruceArtandCrafts Facebook: The Rupert Wallace Teddy Bear Shop Collectable Teddy Bears and needle felted characters Mostly Bears  GillDobsonTeddyBears.etsy.com Bear Making Classes & Supplies butterflybears Charlie Bears ~ Steiff R John Wright OOAK handmade bears, patterns and accessories www.mostlybears.com Mostly Bears  butterflybears.etsy.com 1910 E. 14th St. Tucson, AZ 85719 Moby and Puddle [email protected] Handcrafted Bears by Samantha Webb.  MobyandPuddle.etsy.com OlesyaGergel Original, hand-sewn teddy bears and friends  OlesyaGergelTeddy.etsy.com ElenaStanilevici Handmade OOAK creative teddy bears  ElenaStanilevici.etsy.com TreasuresandTeds OOAK Handmade Mohair Teddy Bears’ for Adult Collectors  TreasuresandTeds.etsy.com Katerina Makogon Soft Pet Portaits. Teddy Bear DIY.  katerinamakogon.etsy.com Barnetby Bears Handmade artist collectable bears and friends  BarnetbyBears.etsy.com BearlyBears Handmade mohair & miniature teddy bears  BearlyBears.etsy.com PollysVintageBears Chiltern, Steiff, Merrythought and more….  PollysVintageBears.etsy.com Miraberen OOAK artist bears and other animals  miraberen.etsy.com To advertise your Etsy page in our Directory, contact Maria on + 44 (0) 7730 622416 or email: [email protected] 39TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST Irina mixes techniques for fantastic felted furries Using wool as her material of choice, the variety of bears and other animals that are skilfully created with the barbed points of Irina Harry’s needles is huge BY CARRIE BROOKS O riginally from Russia, soft sculp- makes me happy to be able to create a palm of your hand, making them ideal ture artist Irina Harry has been character that can tell a story and that companions to take anywhere with a resident of Australia for the also brings smiles to people’s faces, you or for a great collection at home. past nine-and-a-half years, and making them happy too.” Irina describes her creations as “… currently lives with her family in Mel- naive and kind, always smiling. I would bourne. Irina has always made toys, Time for creating her bears is pre- like to believe they are cute characters ever since she was a little girl, and has cious as Irina is mum to two little girls. from our childhood fairytales.” made various animals but has only “Part time is probably how I would been making bears using her current describe it but in reality, I am making They certainly are full of character, technique for just a year. bears every spare moment I get in my whether it’s a bear dressed in clothes ‘busy mum’ schedule. I have started and woolly hat or a little Daschund Having enjoyed felting for eight to combine different techniques to looking at you with ‘take me home’ years, she decided to have a go at cre- achieve the results I am after.” eyes, you can’t help but smile at Irina’s ating a teddy bear, incorporating some creations. The majority are crafted, of her needlefelting techniques. “It Most of the Felt Like It bears and as you may have guessed, from wool friends are small enough to sit in the 40 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST and some combine alpaca with wool. in the workroom. “I’m in love with my jointed limbs and head using a thread “Wool…anything wool is my most sloths lately. There is something about joint.” favorite medium to work with!” them that keeps you calm and content.” The inspiration for Irina’s designs The bears have evolved, even over Not all of the animals are jointed, as comes from photos, nature walks and a fairly short period of time, as Irina Irina explains: “Depending on what from illustrations in children’s books. has refined her technique and honed I am making, the limbs can be fully But it is Irina’s magic touch with wool her bear making skills. “Even though jointed (the classic teddy technique felt and shading that brings her felted I haven’t been making bears like this with pins and discs) - that is mostly for animals to life. Shading is mostly for very long, they are different to my the toys made with a combination of with Pan Pastels, though occasion- first attempts - mostly because I have techniques for teddies and felting. If an ally thinned oil paints are used. And added some felting features. I feel my animal is fully felted then most likely it depending on the toy, Irina sometimes pattern making has also improved.” will be static (like a sculpture) and will uses wool to create a required shade be a one piece item. That said, some as well. And the bears have lots of other of the larger felted animals can have animal friends to keep them company Whatever the source of inspira- 41TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

‘ MEET THE ARTIST ‘ I really want to keep creating my bears and friends to keep others smiling. 42 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

MEET THE ARTIST tion, attention to detail results in some on more of the live shows to meet new THE BEAR FACTS: amazing creatures. “I have kept quite people and show my designs to as a few - sometimes you are not 100% many people as possible. I really want email: [email protected] happy with the result or it is a competi- to keep creating my bears and friends web: www.feltlikeit.com.au tion winner…or you simply can’t part to keep others smiling.” Facebook: www.facebook.com/feltlikeitharry with a certain character.” Instagram: irina_harry If you can’t get along to a show The clothes and accessories are to meet Irina at her stand, she has a 43TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS also made or fashioned by Irina. “This website and Facebook page - she’d be is the best part of having fun as you get delighted if you stopped by - as often to learn so many things from other ar- as you felt like it. eas of the handmade world – carving, embroidery, sculpting, weaving etc.” Irina has already won a few awards for her bears: “My felted white bunny won first place at Bendigo Wool show in 2016; Tassie Devil got a second place the same year while Orangutan and Lyrebird got Highly Commended and second place at the 2018 Royal Melbourne Show felting section.” The shows are an important way for Irina to showcase her designs and get feedback. “I am planning to take

SHOW REVIEW A warm welcome awaited at Winter Bearfest 2019 Kensington Town Hall in London was again alive to the sound of happy bear collectors and enthusiasts for the first Hugglets bear festival of their 30th year BY JULIE SHEPHERD i t’s hard to believe but this year Karin de Lorenzo. I have long admired that it’s hard to imagine how she does marks the thirtieth anniversary her bears but have never been lucky it. Mika had a beautiful pair of very of the very first Hugglets festival. enough to see them ‘in the fur’. I can realistic bears which I though would Who would have thought that time tell you now that mere photographs make a perfect picture but in no time could pass so quickly - but then again, simply do not do her bears justice and at all the polar bear had disappeared, time does fly when you’re having fun! I wasn’t at all surprised to see what a leaving just his companion waiting for stir they were causing. If you wanted his new home. So it was no surprise to arrive on one of Karin’s stunning creations you the morning of 24th February and find had to be extremely quick, as it wasn’t A visit to the stand of Elena Akodis a queue of collectors already in place, long before they were all wearing an was an absolute delight. Her perfect wrapped up against the early morning extra accessory - a reserved sign! little bears and friends have such chill and patiently waiting for the doors appealing and gentle expressions. to open. Amongst the early arrivals If you were looking for a bear with Choosing a favorite was virtually im- was Kevin Masters, who came across a more vintage look then a visit to the possible, so I decided to snap a cou- for a quick chat and told me he had Frou Frou Bears stand was a must and ple of little bears, beautifully dressed his heart set on a little cat made by the you would have no problem finding a and complete with hobby horse. They very talented Samantha Jane Bears. I new friend - in fact, your only problem were irresistible. had no doubt that anyone wanting to would be choosing which one. get there first was going to need to get Looking for a friend for your bears? their running shoes on! Mika Fujita of Atelier Sigma was in Then you were also spoilt for choice. her usual spot with her amazing bears, By the time I caught up with Sharna By 10.30 the queue was stretch- some of them so small and detailed ing all the way out to Kensington Rothwell of Foxglove Bears her High Street and as the doors Frou - Frou Bears stand had been seriously de- opened, eager arctophiles ● www.frou-froubears.com pleted by keen collectors but I poured into the four halls in was just in time to snatch a photo the search for that perfect of a fabulous giraffe before he furry friend (or more likely, galloped off to his new home. friends) to add to their collec- His name was Geronimo, which tion. just added to his charm! My day started with a quick And who could resist the two look round. I set off armed with my camera and found so much fabulous little piggies on the stunning work on display it was Bean Bruins stand - they were difficult to know where to begin. named Pinky and Pepper and just too cute for words! I spotted an animated gath- ering in a corner by the stage Elena Stanilevici is an- so made a bee-line for it and other artist who always has was delighted to find a fabulous something wonderful for her display of work by the amazing collectors and today was no exception. I just fell in love with the two beautifully dressed little 44 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

SHOW REVIEW Atelier Sigma ● http://mikafujita.work Elena Stanilevici ● www.facebook.com/elena.stanilevici 45TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

SHOW REVIEW Flutter-By Bears (by Ruth Bowman) ● www.flutter-by-bears.co.uk Olga Titova ● www.facebook.com/livetoysby/ Olga Titova ● www.facebook.com/livetoysby/ rabbits I spotted on her stand. realized I’d missed my opportunity as I just couldn’t resist her absolutely I was captivated by a wonderful someone had just adopted him! So I charming little badger, beautifully had to console myself with an image dressed with his pocket watch to hand dressed fox which had been cre- of two of her equally fabulous dressed to make sure he’s never late. ated by Olena Kulakovska but while rabbits instead. I waited for a chance to get near By the time I reached the Juna Art enough to snap a photo I saw him Olga Titova had created a gorgeous stand,Yulia Nazarenko explained that being very carefully wrapped and selection of little dressed critters and she only had three pieces of her amaz- 46 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

SHOW REVIEW “So much stunning work on display it was difficult to know where to begin.” ing work left. I wasn’t at all surprised And if you’re wondering how Kevin surprised to hear that he was success- and snatched a quick photo before got on with his quest for the little ful. I caught up with him later in the they disappeared too! Samatha-Jane cat you won’t be at all day and he was delighted to show me his latest acquisition. Stunning in every Running out of space was no excuse Kevin with his favorite purchase way! for not adding to your collection when you could take an amazing tiny ted by Talking of cats, I just couldn’t resist Ruth Bowman of Flutterby Bears home the very regal and elegantly dressed with you. I never cease to be stunned cat which had been created by the by the skill and artistry which goes into super talented Paula Strethill-Smith of creating these perfect little bears. Who Shultz Bears. The clothing was crafted could possibly resist the beautiful little from beautiful fabrics and had been bear, complete with her pretty vintage exquisitely made. china cup and saucer. Sadly there are never enough hours While I was on my rounds I thought I in a day when visiting a Hugglets spotted a fabulous teddy bear-themed festival - it’s a case of so many bears, skirt disappearing round the corner so little time - and all too soon it was and down the stairs - so I just had to 4 o’clock and time for the festival to give chase and was rewarded when I close. caught up with two young ladies who were definitely dressed for the occa- As always, I can only give you a taste sion! Luckily, Shasha and Carla were of all the wonderful work on display so very happy to pose for a photo and be sure to make a note in your diary it’s an understatement to say that they for the next Hugglets festival - Ted- looked absolutely amazing. In fact, dies 2019 - which will take place on while we were taking photos, Sebas- 8th September when the 30th birthday tian, the organizer of Hugglets, joined celebrations will continue. us and wanted a photograph too. I’m looking forward to it already and hope to see you there! 47TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

OLD BEARS Chiltern Hugmee - a long-standing favorite A much-loved British teddy bear brand, Chiltern Toys produced many lovable teddy bears but none more popular than the Hugmee, still sought after but rare BY SUE BAMFORD C hiltern Toys are one of the UK’s faster than many of their counterparts. muzzle, and big ‘googly’ glass eyes, earliest and enduringly popular Luckily for Chiltern, this design flaw plus a black-stitched nose and cheeky manufacturers. They made their red felt tongue. first teddy bears in 1915 and turned out to their advantage because introduced their most famous Hugmee the pathetic drooping head resting on Master Teddy came in five sizes and range eight years later. a sunken chest, has since proved to be was first made wearing a little pink and the most charming feature of a Hug- white striped shirt with a white collar, Chiltern Hugmees had large, trian- mee amongst adult collectors. and a pair of trousers. Different outfits gular-shaped heads stuffed with wood- were later introduced. It’s extremely wool, and lighter weight, kapok-filled Master Teddy rare to find a Master Teddy today, so bodies. Although the creators probably he’s likely to be very expensive. didn’t realise it at the time, this mix of The company’s first ever bear in stuffings could now be regarded as 1915 was the unique ‘Master Teddy’, Also in those early years, Chiltern something of a design flaw. produced at the Chiltern Toy Works produced a ‘Baby Bruin the Bear Cub’, in Chesham, Bucks. Totally unlike his in 1922, and a Wagmee series, similar Over time, the kapok settled, caus- Hugmee predecessor or any other to Schuco’s Yes/No bears, in 1937. ing the body and limbs to sag. This bruin manufactured at the time, Master meant the body could no longer Teddy was a cloth-bodied, fully- Hugmee appeal support the top-heavy head, which ul- dressed bear and only his visible parts timately slumped down onto the chest were made of mohair. It was Chiltern’s bread-and-butter or tilted to one side. Combined with Hugmee range, which kept the compa- the use of relatively small disc joints in He was an amusing character with ny at the forefront of the soft toy indus- the neck, well-loved Hugmees aged a large round head and small ears, no try throughout the 1920s and 30s. They were labelled with round card chest tags, as it wasn’t until the 1940s that sewn-on, cloth labels were introduced. Needless to say, very few Hugmees still have their card labels and those that do are highly sought after. Happily, Hugmees are easily rec- ognisable from other bears of the day such as Chads, Pedigrees and Deans. However, in the 1930s, Merrythought brought out a bear that had a near identical, Hugmee-style nose, with the distinctive outer stitches pointing upwards, as opposed to their usual downwards style. It’s often difficult telling the dif- ference between one of these Mer- rythoughts and a Chiltern, even for 48 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

Above: Early golden Chiltern Hugmees. Below left: Unusual mask faced Chiltern along with blue and brown mohair. Right: Rare musical bellows Hugmee dis- playing his adorable expression. Below right: Rare dual plush 1930’s Hug- mee. experts. As a rule, Chiltern used black which could also be dyed in various facturers brought out their own stuffed thread for their noses but early rare colors. toy versions. Chiltern introduced their examples of blonde Hugmees have range of pandas in the 1950s and they been found with light brown noses and Hugmees were fitted with squeakers included a Hugmee version in black mouths. and originally had a chest tag saying ‘I and white mohair, followed later in the growl’. By the 1930s, some were made ’60s by a cotton plush panda. Hugmees abounded in all shapes, without shaved muzzles, shorter limbs colors and sizes. The earliest versions and smaller feet, minus the cardboard Needs must had shaved protruding muzzles, card- backing. lined feet and velveteen pads, as well After the Second World War, a short- as long arms with spoon-shaped paws During this period, Chiltern also age of materials prompted a and thick-thighed ‘drumstick’ legs. introduced an artsilk skater bear change in the Hugmee pattern, Clear glass eyes with black pupils, with an embroidered foot so less fabric could be used. sewn in with a final stitch at the back label and a skater rabbit Enter the ‘flat-faced’ Hugmee, of the head, was also a typical Chiltern – both are now very rare with a shortened muzzle and trait, plus that endearing, broad smile. and collectable. a smaller, somewhat glum- Amber glass eyes were also intro- shaped, mouth. duced in the ’30s. Panda These Hugmees had no paw claws, a new shield- Gold mohair was the most com- In the late ’30s, the ar- shaped nose without the mon colour for a Hugmee but Chiltern rival of the first pandas long outer stitches and also introduced for a limited time in in Western zoos en- much shorter limbs, as well the 20’s, a dual plush version – brown- thralled the public. as rexine pads – a typically tipped blonde mohair - along with equally rare white, of which the latter It wasn’t long only 1000 were produced in 1938. before toy manu- Brown and cinnamon appeared too and, in keeping with the their com- petitors, a range of colored Hugmees in pink, blue and green. Chiltern was quick to additionally use artsilk plush - at this time, a new manmade fibre 49TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS

OLD BEARS or press bellows. It was unusual and highly responsive, and delighted children throughout the country…and a few adults too! This ingenious inven- tion found its way into other Chiltern animals and those with Ting-a-lings that still work are very popular with collectors. Chiltern’s range further included, in 1958, a bear on a tricycle, based on a character from the Disney cartoon, Dumbo. He was one of the first bears designed for Chiltern by Pam Howells, now a well-known bear artist in her own right. She worked at their Ponty- pool factory from 1957-67 and started making her own toys in 1972. Teddy on a bike was unjointed and made of artsilk plush, with looped gold cord sewn across his red chest in the style of a ringmaster’s costume. He rode a red-painted metal tricy- Above: Large 1930’s Hugmee. variety of tunes. cle with rubber tyres, handlebars and Above right: Post-war flat faced Hugmee. Also in the ’50s, drumstick thighs pedals, and was an eyecatching nov- Below: A 1950’s panda with Hugmees from and long arms returned, and those un- elty that was made until the ’60s and the 1940’s and 1950’s proving you can never shaved muzzles. Card lined feet were has become eagerly collectable. have enough Hugmees! back in vogue too. Sweet success The most popular musical bear British feature of the period. Different, but nonetheless charm- produced by Chiltern was in fact the Into the swinging Sixties and ing, flat-faced Hugmees held their Ting-a-ling Bruin of the ’50s. Chiltern moved with the times – glass own, and were just as popular as their forerunners. However, although the Based on Steiff’s Teddy Baby design, eyes became plastic lock-ins and stuffing arrangement was the same, the economical smaller head simul- the Musical Bruin had unjointed legs noses black moulded plastic. Unjoint- taneously cured the Hugmee Head Droop Syndrome. Also, cotton waste or and stood in a half-seated position. ed bears made of synthetic fibres ap- ‘sub’ as it was known, was used in the ’40s instead of kapok and this helped He had an inset muzzle of contrasting peared and a Washable Chiltern Toys to keep the Hugmee head held high. clipped white mohair that matched the Series filled with moulded one-piece The joy of music ears and chest. fairy foam filling. By the 1950s and the end of ration- ing, Hugmees had recovered their Although key-winder musical ver- An example of this was Chiltern’s muzzle, and their paw claws, and discovered the joys of sions existed, usually playing Brahms’ novelty, Honey Pot Bear. music. Versions were made with a keywinder in the back, which Lullaby, it was the Ting-a-ling that Unjointed, with his legs in a per- operated the musical box within. However, this wasn’t the first broke new ground. He had a mecha- manent seated position, he was made musical Hugmee to step into the limelight – back in the 1930s, nism inside the body that produced of gold nylon plush and holding a Chiltern introduced bears with innovative musical bellows move- a musical tinkling sound when the brown honey pot made of soft-stuffed, ments, that worked simply by pressing the tummy and played a bear moved – no need to wind a key brushed nylon with a bumble bee on top, attached to the paws with velcro. With his co-ordinating brown neck ribbon, he was certainly cute and was made just before the Chiltern name ceased to exist, except as a subsidiary of Chad Valley, who took the company over in 1967. However, Honey Pot Bear continued to be made right up until 1977 under the label, ‘Chad Valley Chiltern’, until that too eventually vanished. 50 TEDDY BEAR TIMES & FRIENDS