Teddy that inspired Pooh hits 100
CHRISTOPHER Robin’s teddy bear – the toy that would become Winnie the Pooh – is
100 years old this week.
And the only company allowed to still make ‘Edward’ – the most famous teddy of them all – is celebrating the milestone by offering fans a golden opportunity.
Merrythoughts, based in Ironbridge, Shropshire, is giving a gold-plated keyring with the purchase of every 18-inch Edward purchased.
The original Edward was made by London-based JK Farnell in 1921 and the brand is now owned by Merrythought.
Author AA Milne bought an Edward for his son, Christopher Robin, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The illustrious bear again gained the spotlight in 2017, thanks to big-screen hit
Goodbye Christopher Robin. The furry star in that film was made by Merrythoughts.
Edward now resides on the shelves of Harrods, a fittingly luxurious setting for a superstar.
Sarah Holmes, Merrythoughts’ fourth-generation managing director, said: “These very special bears have 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.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 100th birthday of the bear which inspired AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh.
“At its heart is the beautiful story of how a teddy bear captured a little boy’s imagination and how much joy and companionship children can find from teddy bears and soft toys.
“Now 100 years later, it’s wonderful to see how Edward is still enjoyed by so many adults and children alike, and we’re proud that he continues to be hand-made in Britain.”
Featuring a golden mohair coat and beige pure woollen felt paws, Edward’s deep-set eyes, and hand-embroidered nose and friendly smile, give him real quintessential English charm.
Edward the bear first appeared in an AA Milne poem in the 1924 book When We Were Very Young.
By 1926, the cuddly companion had been renamed Winnie the Pooh for the best seller of the same name.
The author’s son, Christopher Robin, had named his toy after Winnie, a Canadian black bear he often saw at London Zoo, and Pooh, a swan they had encountered on holiday.