A deep dive into the history of the much-loved plush bear brand from one of the world’s foremost teddy bear experts. Merrythought was one of Britain’s longest running British-made teddy bear firms with a dedicated international following for their quality, highly collectable bears whose life-size models used to dominate stores such as Harrods and Hamleys. This book—with its quality color illustrations and use of original sales material—will appeal to teddy bear collectors as well as dedicated Merrythought fans and is full of tips on collecting the popular toys. Written by leading teddy bear expert, Kathy Martin, editor of Teddy Bear Scene and a regular on programs such as QVC as well as a consultant to firms producing collectable bears, this is a must for collectors, dealers, and those who loved their own Merrythought teddy bears when young. After a short-term closure, Merrythought was revived and will delight future generations. Its closure made headlines news, showing the enduring popularity of the quality bears. “This must-read book will appeal to Merrythought and teddy bear collectors and dealers, those who loved their childhood teddies and indeed anyone interested in the history of the great British toy company.” —Collectors Club of Great Britain

The family firm of J K Farnell & Co Ltd occupies a position of unparalleled importance in British soft toy history, firstly because it was the very first British toy company to manufacture teddy bears, and also because it created the actual bear that inspired A A Milne to write the Winnie the Pooh stories. Yet impressive as those facts undoubtedly are, they comprise just a small fraction of the fascinating Farnell story. Founded in the Nineteenth century, for decades J.K. Farnell & Co Ltd was the most respected and influential soft toy manufacturer in Britain. Thanks to the superior quality of its products, the company experienced enormous commercial success at national and international level - even in Germany, home to its biggest rival, there was great demand for Farnell products. Surviving economic depression, devastating fire, the ravages of World War II and other traumatic events, the company kept going until fundamental changes in the British toy market forced its closure in 1970. Since then, the Farnell name has been forgotten by all but a dedicated band of teddy bear enthusiasts and the true story of this pioneering British firm has fallen into obscurity. Now, thanks to Kathy Martin's intensive research, the facts about J K Farnell & Co Ltd and its fabulous teddy bears are revealed in this informative and entertaining book.

This encyclopedia brings the art of arctophily (teddy bear collecting) up to date. This edition adds 24 important antique and new bears to the more than 500 rare, familiar, classic and modern bears. Photos.

Charts the evolution of teddy bears, from the first Steiff bear to the modern Merrythought bear. An in-depth catalogue section, organized chronologically by description, and a quick-reference fact panel annotation are included. Teddy bear anatomy, clothes and accessories are displayed for every breed and generation of bear. This book also includes features of well-known personality bears, such as Winnie-the-Pooh and Paddington and includes tips on starting your own collection of teddy bears, caring for bears, and taking part in bear-related activities. Pauline Cockrill is Exhibitions Officer at The Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood.

A lavishly illustrated look at the history behind one of the most iconic toys of all time - the Teddy Bear.

When a strange package arrives in the nursery, everyone is puzzled. What on earth could it be? Little Bear is sure it's full of treasure, but Duck has his doubts. 'It's probably empty,' he grumbles. But when the box speaks, it is clear that something much more exciting than treasure is inside. A beautiful brand new edition of Jane Hissey's classic playroom adventure, Jolly Tall.

Outlines the history of bears, along with hints on collecting and further study.

Bringing together the expertise of the world's greatest auction house and the knowledge of one of the world's leading teddy bear specialists, 'Christie's Century of Teddy Bears' celebrates the one hundredth birthday of the bear, tracing its ascent from humble nursery companion to highly sought after collectors' item. Featuring the histories of the most important bear manufacturers from around the world, including Steiff, Ideal, Chad Valley, Bing, Schuco and Merrythought, this book also relates the endearing stories of individual bears. These include Teddy Girl, who achieved a world record breaking price at auction as a result of her alluring looks and experiences during both world wars, and Donald Campbell's Mr Whoppit who accompanied him in the Bluebird on his last fateful attempt at the world speed record. Special illustrated features examine the teddy at war, literary, media and novelty bears, and there is a comprehensive section of tips for collectors. Superbly illustrated with images from the Christie's archives and private collections, 'Christie's Century of Teddy Bears' is an authoritative history and guide, and essential gift for anyone who has ever loved a teddy bear.