Giant bear for Edward’s centenary

MERRYTHOUGHT of Ironbridge, the UK’S oldest teddy bear manufacturer, is celebrating the 100th birthday of Edward Bear – the teddy who inspired Winnie the Pooh – by unveiling a giant version of the famous character.

As tall as the average three-year-old child, Merrythought’s brand-new ‘Giant Edward’ is an oversized version of the original bear, who was Christopher Robin’s cherished childhood toy, given to him by his mother Daphne as a first birthday present in August 1921.

Daphne’s husband and Christopher’s father, AA Milne, was so enamoured by the partnership that he began to write stories about their journey through life together – and Winnie the Pooh was born.

Hand-crafted in Shropshire, the premium teddy bear, which costs £1,095, is 39 inches tall and weighs 6.5kg.

Fourth-generation managing director Sarah Holmes said: “This special bear has been handmade in our factory in Ironbridge using the same traditional skills and natural materials as Christopher Robin’s original Edward Bear all those years ago.

Traditional

“Now more than ever parents are recognising the value of traditional play, and encouraging children to use their imagination. The teddy bear is the perfect antidote for the digital world and a true companion for life’s journey.”

Giant Edward will featuring a rich, golden mohair coat and pure woollen felt paws, giant deep-set eyes and a handembroidered nose.

Giant Edward is available to purchase from mer rythought.com and har rods.com.

Merrythought’s original 18” Edward Bear is also available to buy throughout 2021, and sold with a complimentary goldplated keyring that has been specially created to mark the character’s 100th birthday.