Bearly Believable – My Part In The Paddington Bear Story

Author: Shirley Clarkson
Price: £20
Publisher: Harriman Books
Edition: 1st Edition
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Original cloth gilt with dustwrapper
Condition: Fine in fine dustwrapper
Pages: 210

Description:

 
Binding nice and tight. Pages nice and clean. A fine, tight, clean copy in fine dustwrapper.

Shirley Clarkson And Gabrielle Bears: A Brief Account

 
The story of Paddington Bear as a tangible, cuddly companion begins not in a factory, but at a kitchen table in a quiet English home. It was here, in the 1970s, that Shirley Clarkson —seamstress, designer, and mother — created what would become the original “Paddington Bear” soft toy, sparking the beginnings of Gabrielle Designs, later known for its now-iconic Gabrielle Bears.

Shirley Clarkson made the first Paddington Bear for her own children as a Christmas present. He was dressed in a blue duffle coat with wooden toggles, a felt hat, and little red Wellington boots. Paddington’s suitcase, tag, and thoughtful expression were carefully replicated from the beloved books. What started as a homemade gift, crafted with affection and attention to detail, soon drew interest from friends and neighbours — and eventually from shops and collectors.

Realising the bear’s appeal, Shirley and her husband Eddie established Gabrielle Designs, named after Shirley’s middle name. The company began producing Paddington Bears from their home in Doncaster, Yorkshire. Each bear was lovingly handmade, with jointed limbs, soft stuffing, and high-quality materials that captured the spirit of the literary character. The family kitchen served as the workshop in the early years, with coats hand-stitched and boots specially sourced to complete Paddington’s familiar look.

The bears were notable for their charm and character, closely aligned with the image conjured in the pages of the books. Shirley’s interpretation of Paddington was not only accurate but full of personality. He looked as though he had just arrived from darkest Peru — polite, a little bewildered, and ready for marmalade. His label — “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” — was faithfully attached to his coat, and many of the bears came with a miniature suitcase, a nod to his arrival at Paddington Station.

Gabrielle Designs quickly grew from a family business into a beloved British brand. The Paddington Bears made by Shirley Clarkson and her small team became highly sought after — not just as toys, but as collectable items. Each bear was a charming blend of tradition and individuality, and no two were exactly alike. Many bore the signs of handmade character — slightly different stitching, a particular tilt of the hat, or a unique expression in the eyes. As demand increased, Gabrielle Designs expanded production while still maintaining a sense of small-scale care. The bears were stocked in toy shops across the UK and became popular abroad. Children adored them, adults cherished them, and collectors valued their craftsmanship and originality. Over time, Gabrielle Designs produced variations of Paddington — some in nightshirts, some holding accessories, others in seasonal outfits. The brand also created bears based on other classic characters, but Paddington remained at its heart. His warm, familiar presence made him a staple of British childhoods throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Despite changes in the toy industry and the arrival of larger manufacturers, the bears made by Shirley Clarkson retained their appeal. They are now considered vintage treasures, with early editions — particularly those made by hand in the Clarkson home — being especially prized by collectors. The boots, often bearing real brand markings, and the duffle coats made from high-quality woollen fabric, are signs of their original authenticity.

Gabrielle Bears, as crafted under the Gabrielle Designs label, reflect a time when toys were made with personal care and creative vision. Shirley Clarkson’s Paddington captured more than just the likeness of a storybook character — he embodied the kindness, resilience, and quiet humour that made Paddington Bear a symbol of gentle adventure and homegrown affection. In essence, the Paddington Bears made by Shirley Clarkson tell a story not just of a bear from darkest Peru, but of a family’s love, ingenuity, and dedication to creating something truly special — one marmalade-loving bear at a time.

Michael Bond: A Short Biography

 
Michael Bond was a British author best known for creating Paddington Bear, one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature. His career as a writer spanned over six decades, during which he wrote numerous Paddington books, as well as other works for children and adults.

Early Life and Career:

• Born: January 13, 1926, in Newbury, Berkshire, England.
• Bond grew up in Reading, Berkshire, where his love for storytelling began. He was an avid reader and had an early fascination with writing, though he initially pursued other careers.
• During World War II, Bond served in the Royal Air Force and later worked as a camera operator for the BBC.

Creation of Paddington Bear:

• The idea for Paddington Bear came to Michael Bond in 1956, when he saw a lonely teddy bear sitting on a shelf in a London shop near Paddington Station. Bond bought the bear as a gift for his wife and was inspired to create a character around it.
• Bond wrote the first book, A Bear Called Paddington, in just ten days. It was published in 1958, introducing the world to the small bear from Darkest Peru who arrives at Paddington Station with a note that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”
• The Paddington books were an immediate success, with readers falling in love with the bear’s politeness, curiosity, and well-meaning mishaps. Bond’s witty, warm writing style and the gentle humour of Paddington’s adventures made the series timeless.

Paddington Bear’s Impact:

• The Paddington Bear series has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold more than 35 million copies worldwide.
• Bond wrote more than 20 books about Paddington, including sequels such as More About Paddington, Paddington Helps Out, and Paddington at Large.
• Paddington became a British cultural icon, and the stories were adapted into multiple TV series, stage productions, and two highly successful live-action films, Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017), with Ben Whishaw providing the voice of Paddington.

Other Works:

• While Paddington Bear was his most famous creation, Michael Bond also wrote other children’s books. His series about Olga da Polga, a guinea pig with a lively imagination, was another favourite.
• Bond also wrote for adult audiences, including a series of detective novels featuring Monsieur Pamplemousse, a retired French detective and food critic who solves culinary-related mysteries with his loyal bloodhound, Pommes Frites.

Personal Life:

• Bond lived much of his life in London, close to Paddington Station, which played such a crucial role in inspiring his most famous creation.
• Despite his success as a writer, Bond remained modest and down-to-earth. He often expressed that he wrote Paddington stories because they made him happy, and he was always delighted by the bear’s popularity with readers of all ages.

Awards and Honours:

• In recognition of his contribution to children’s literature, Michael Bond was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997 and later a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015.
• Paddington Bear’s influence has extended far beyond literature. In 2000, a statue of Paddington was unveiled at Paddington Station, and the character remains a beloved figure in British culture.

Death and Legacy:

• Michael Bond passed away on June 27, 2017, at the age of 91. His legacy endures through the enduring popularity of Paddington Bear, who continues to delight new generations of readers and viewers.
• Bond’s ability to create a character who embodied kindness, curiosity, and good manners made Paddington a universally beloved figure, one that resonated with readers across cultures and ages.

Bond’s warm, humorous stories have left a lasting impact, and his creation of Paddington Bear has cemented him as one of the great figures in 20th-century children’s literature.

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