What is a teddy bear and where did they come from?


Teddy Bears are a traditional soft toy that brings comfort and happiness to children and adults alike.

 

Bears were named ‘Teddy’ in 1902 after the American President, Theodore Roosevelt – know affectionately by the public as Teddy. While on an unsuccessful hunting trip the President refused the opportunity to shoot an already-exhausted and captured bear. His compassion inspired a political cartoon which in turn gave a toy-maker the idea for a stuffed animal toy. It was a fine example of capitalising on current affairs and ‘Teddy’s Bear’ was an instant success for the Ideal Toy and Novelty Company.

 

These original teddy bears were relatively life-like compared to today’s but, by depicting the bears in an upright standing or seated position, they were given a more friendly appearance than the formidable American Black Bear on all four paws.

 

The teddy bears of the early 20th century were made mainly from mohair and stuffed with straw (and certainly wouldn’t comply with today’s toy safety standards!) Modern teddy bears have diversified greatly and can be found in almost infinite materials and styles. Fake fur is now used in bulk manufacture of soft toys intended for children, but natural materials like mohair and alpaca are still coveted for production of traditional, collectable bears.

 

Several bears have become public figures in the UK including Pudsey who is used to represent the charity Children in Need, demonstrating the universal appeal of cuddly bears. Rupert and Paddington are two very different bears, both immortalised in children’s stories of their exploits and also made into television programs. Sooty, of the eponymous show, was the main character and well-loved despite being a teddy bear with no filling! And, probably the most famous bear of all, AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, now owned by the Walt Disney brand and turned into the biggest bear franchise the world has ever known. Not bad for a tubby old cubby all stuffed with fluff!

 

Teddy bears have captured the imagination of people of all ages around the world for over 100 years. Many ranges, such as the famous German Steiff and the English Charlie Bears, are collected by enthusiasts for their character and quality, while other brands appeal to the imagination of children with quirky personalities and themes. Plush bears make ideal presents for children’s birthdays or christenings, and will often be treasured into adulthood as an old friend.