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Paddington Bear

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Paddington - the bear from Darkest Peru

Paddington Bear has been a much-loved children's favourite since 1958. The stories were created by Michael Bond, a cameraman with the BBC, and were inspired by a last-minute Christmas present he bought for his wife. He walked into a shop and saw a forlorn teddy bear sitting alone on a shelf, and bought him. The couple named him Paddington after the train station they lived near in London.

2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the Paddington Bear stories. A new book is due out in June called Paddington Here and Now, and a 50th anniversary DVD set will also be available soon.

Paddington Bear

Paddington Bear is an orphan who used to live in Peru with his Aunt Lucy. But when Aunt Lucy moved to the Home for Retired Bears in Lima, Paddington travelled to England in a lifeboat.

The Brown family discover the little bear all alone at Paddington station, with a sign around his neck saying: "Please look after this bear. Thank you." They name him "Paddington" after the station, and take him home.

Meet the cast of characters

  • Paddington Bear is the bear from darkest Peru, who loves marmelade.
  • Mr. Henry Brown is the father of the family who take Paddington in.
  • Mrs. Mary Brown is Henry Brown's wife.
  • Jonathan and Judy Brown are Mr. and Mrs. Brown's children.
  • Mrs. Bird is the Browns' housekeeper.
  • Mr. Gruber owns an antique store and is a friend of Paddington's.
  • Mr. Curry is the Browns' next-door-neighbour. He's a bit rude.
  • Aunt Lucy is Paddington's aunt in Peru.

Watch Paddington Bear

Paddington meets the Browns

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Paddington looks different!

Paddington Bear has been drawn or made by lots of different illustrators and craftsmen over the years.

Peggy Fortnum was the original illustrator on the first Paddington Bear book and all the subsequent novels in the series.

Fred Banbery was commissioned to create the bolder, coloured images for the first series of six Paddington picture books for younger readers.

Ivor Wood created a Paddington puppet for FilmFair for the Paddington Bear TV show, while the other characters and the scenery were mostly two-dimensional illustrations. Ivor also illustrated Paddington for a comic strip series and a stationery line.

David McKee illustrated a new series of Paddington picture books that came out in the 1980s.

R W Alley illustrated the picture books when they were published in the United States.

Cinar, a Canadian film company produced an animated cartoon series of Paddington Bear in 1997.

Adopt your very own Paddington Bear

Please look after him.

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Visit Paddington Bear

Paddington Bear's official website
Visit Paddington at his home on the web.

Read all about Paddington's adventures

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Paddington Bear memorabilia

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Paddington for charity

Action Medical Research
Paddington Bear is the mascot for Action Medical Research - a charity dedicated to building a better, healthier future for everyone.

Some more stuffed friends needing a home...

Meet Basil bear, a friend of Paddington'sBasil Bear

Do you remember Paddington Bear?

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  • Reply
    Ladymermaid May 25, 2011 @ 7:51 am | delete
    Teddy bears are one toy which will never go out of style. Big or little the teddy bear just somehow manages to weave his way into the heart.
  • Reply
    SandyPeaks Dec 19, 2010 @ 7:21 pm | delete
    I've loved Paddington Bear since I first read these books in the 60s. I can't eat marmalade or look in an antique shop without thinking about Paddington! Blessed by a SquidAngel.
  • Reply
    JJNW Dec 12, 2010 @ 4:37 am | delete
    We LOVE Paddington. I raised my kids with his books!
  • Reply
    blue22d Nov 10, 2009 @ 9:06 pm | delete
    I love bears, especially Paddington. I always thought he was so cool. Thanks for the history. Five big bear stars for you.
  • Reply
    TheWhistler Oct 21, 2008 @ 12:12 pm | delete
    I love Paddington, on a trip to England my sister bought her Paddington. At the airport she was taking a plane to Scotland and I was going home, guess who got to carry Paddington through custom, on the plane,(everyone had to say "Hi Paddington.") At the other end they looked at him suspiciously since at that time Paddington had not yet hit North America. Still I got to have him for two whole weeks until my sister came home.

    Thanks for the lens.
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