Teddy Bear Times | Teddy Bear Times
It was fifty years ago that Paddington first made his debut on screen, appearing in a charming BBC children’s programme.
The five-minute episodes, featuring a moveable puppet against black and white sketches, were narrated by Michael Hordern, the actor more famous for his Shakespearean roles. Viewing them today they look quite charming, but they do capture the essence of the marmalade sandwich-eating bear from Peru as a beacon of old-fashioned decency in a cynical world.
Paddington made the long trip from darkest Peru to England in the original books by Michael Bond, but the journey from that 1976 BBC series to today’s crop of films and stage musical seems even further.
This issue we take a look back at the humble beginnings of this much-loved bear and also suggest some Paddington-related locations in London you might want to visit.
We also chat with several wonderful artists who share some fascinating reflections. We loved the one from Oxana Lyashenko who told us: “When I was little, I had a small handmade dog who I loved very much. It seemed to me different from all other toys that I had then. And I lost it one day. I remember the very special feeling of uniqueness that this toy had, of having your own little friend who’s not the same as who anyone else has. A long time after that, I had the thought of trying to make toys myself. Now I find a great joy in recognising this feeling of uniqueness in every new bear, dog, or bunny I make.”
And Patricia Hall captures the essence of collecting bears: “Any collector knows the feeling. It may grow slowly over time or happen suddenly. It is that moment when you see, touch or read about a bear and decide ‘he must be mine’. To possess it makes sense and not to have it seems unacceptable. A decision is made to acquire the bear and the transaction is final. For a moment the world feels whole, perfect and harmonious.”
That’s a lovely thought to hold on to in the early stages of 2026.
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Do you know someone who has a passion for teddy bears? Or maybe you have your own long-standing devotion to stuffed toys? Either way, Teddy Bear Times is the perfect magazine to take any teddy bear hobbyist to the next level! Why not find out what it does so well by subscribing today?
Learn about bears from all over the world and get teddy bear patterns delivered to your device twice every month with a subscription to Teddy Bear Times digital magazine. You’ll learn something new in every issue and we promise you’ll be enchanted with entertaining features and insightful content each month. Whether you’re looking to create bears as gifts or just want to learn more about teddy bears, this is the perfect magazine for you.
We cover seasonal items each year, including Santa bear creations at Christmas and Easter bunny making over Easter. Everyone from children to adults will find something that interests them.
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Note: Digital editions do not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with printed copies.
Articles in this issue
Below is a selection of articles in Teddy Bear Times Teddy Bear Times.