Gabrielle Designs – Paddington Bear – Registered Design No. 957892 – 46 cm – 1972

Description

An excellent early Gabrielle Designs Paddington Bear, made in Doncaster, England, from the celebrated original design registered in 1972 under UK Registered Design No. 957892.

Gabrielle Designs holds a fundamental place in the history of Paddington Bear. Shirley Clarkson created the first soft-toy Paddington for her own children before Gabrielle Designs developed the character commercially in 1972. The resulting British-made bears were the first officially licensed Paddington soft toys and established much of the visual vocabulary subsequently associated with Paddington merchandise: the duffle coat, felt hat, Wellington boots and famous luggage label requesting that the finder “Please look after this bear”.

This large example measures approximately 46 cm high and is constructed from cream long-pile plush. The face has the characteristic early Gabrielle appearance, with orange-rimmed eyes and a moulded black nose. Unlike a conventional teddy bear, the body is non-jointed, giving Paddington the upright standing form for which these early Gabrielle figures are immediately recognisable.

He retains his original brown hooded duffle coat, complete with four wooden toggle fastenings and large patch pockets, together with the characteristic orange felt hat, secured in the traditional manner with a safety pin.

Particularly desirable are the original yellow size 5 Dunlop Wellington boots. The moulded soles retain the Dunlop branding and original tread pattern. These genuine commercially manufactured boots are one of the most charming features of early Gabrielle Paddingtons and their survival materially enhances the completeness of an example.

The original luggage label is also retained, inscribed in the familiar manner “Please look after this bear. Thank you”, while the original Gabrielle Designs manufacturer’s label remains sewn to the rear of the body beneath the clothing. The registered design number 957892 identifies the historic 1972 Gabrielle design.

The importance of these early bears extends beyond conventional toy collecting. They represent the first major commercial translation of Michael Bond’s Paddington into three dimensions and are now recognised examples of post-war British character-toy design. An early Gabrielle Paddington is held by the National Trust’s Museum of Childhood collection, catalogued as circa 1972 and displaying the same registered design number and characteristic Wellington boots.

A very attractive and notably complete early Gabrielle Designs Paddington, retaining the accessories and labels which are so often lost from surviving examples.

Condition

Very good vintage collectible condition.

The cream plush remains full and attractive, with only light age-related wear consistent with a bear of this period. The original orange felt hat is present and retains its safety pin.

The brown duffle coat remains complete with hood, pockets and four wooden toggle fastenings. There is light general wear and minor marking consistent with age.

The original yellow size 5 Dunlop Wellington boots are present and remain very good, with the moulded Dunlop marks and tread clearly visible. There are minor marks from age and use.

The original Gabrielle Designs manufacturer’s label and luggage label are retained.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of our condition report.

Maker: Gabrielle Designs Ltd, Doncaster, England
Date: 1972 design / early 1970s production
UK Registered Design: No. 957892
Height: Approximately 46 cm / 18 inches
Material: Long-pile synthetic plush with felt and textile clothing; rubber Wellington boots
Construction: Non-jointed, firmly stuffed character bear with moulded nose, inset eyes, original clothing and size 5 Dunlop Wellington boots

Paddington: A Short Biography

Paddington Bear is a cherished and iconic character, recognised for his endearing personality and timeless charm. Originating from darkest Peru, he is a small, friendly bear with a fondness for marmalade and a knack for finding himself in amusing and sometimes chaotic situations.

He is instantly recognisable by his red wellington boots, these ones are Dunlop wellington boots. Often seen carrying his well-worn brown suitcase, adorned with travel stickers, Paddington’s adventurous spirit and love of exploring new places are key aspects of his character. The suitcase often holds a secret stash of marmalade sandwiches, his favourite snack, which he keeps for emergencies.

A key feature of Paddington is the handwritten label attached to him that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” This tag symbolises his journey from Peru to London and serves as a gentle reminder of his need for care and kindness.

Paddington’s charmingly polite and well-meaning nature, coupled with his knack for turning everyday occurrences into extraordinary adventures, has made him a beloved figure for generations. His character embodies values of kindness, curiosity, and resilience, making him an enduring symbol of warmth and joy.

Michael Bond: A Short Biography

Michael Bond was a celebrated British author best known as the creator of Paddington Bear. Born in 1926 in Newbury, Berkshire, he began his career as a BBC cameraman before achieving literary fame with the publication of A Bear Called Paddington in 1958. Inspired by a toy bear he bought for his wife, Paddington became a beloved character worldwide, known for his charm, mischief, and love of marmalade. Bond wrote numerous books featuring Paddington, alongside other works for children and adults, cementing his legacy as one of Britain’s most cherished storytellers. He passed away in 2017.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

Every item offered by Hornseys is handled, inspected and catalogued in-house before being offered for sale. We take particular care to identify manufacturers, edition details, materials, accessories and condition accurately, using the object itself and its surviving original documentation wherever possible.

Hornseys has been established in Ripon, North Yorkshire, since 1976, and our stock encompasses fine art, illustration, rare books, collectables, toys and unusual decorative objects.

We provide free UK delivery, carefully packed tracked shipping and a 14-day unconditional return guarantee, provided the item is returned in the same condition in which it was supplied.

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