Gabrielle Designs – Stumpy Paddington Bear – Blue Coat And Red Hat – 1977

Maker: Gabrielle Designs
Date: 1977
UK Registration No.: 957892
Price: £245 (Free Postage In The UK)
Size: Approximately 20 cm
Material: Plush
Care: Surface clean only
Condition: Used – near fine condition

Item handmade in England.

Condition:

This bear is in near fine condition with its red hat, blue coat and white wellington boots. The coat has some minor signs of wear and is slightly faded and in very good condition overall.  His luggage tag is very slightly marked.  Please contact us for more details if required.

Gabrielle Designs – Stumpy Paddington Bear: A Brief Description

This early Gabrielle Designs Paddington Bear, often affectionately referred to by collectors as the “Stumpy” bear, is a significant piece of toy history.  Produced in 1977 by Shirley Clarkson’s company in Doncaster, this specific iteration is highly prized for its unique structural characteristics and its status as one of the earliest licensed Paddington plushes.

The “Stumpy” moniker refers specifically to the bear’s lower limbs. Unlike later versions that featured more defined ankles and feet to accommodate custom boots, the earliest Gabrielle Paddingtons have legs that end in rounded, stump-like cylinders. This design was purely functional to help the bear stand upright. The plush is light honey in colour, featuring a dense texture. His face is notably flatter and broader than subsequent versions, with small black eyes and a black nose that gives him the classic “forlorn” look described by Michael Bond.

This bear is dressed in his signature felt duffle coat, made from a high-quality wool felt in blue. The coat features decorative wooden toggles and Paddington has his “Please look after this bear” luggage tag. His hat is typically a wide-brimmed felt bush hat in red on this particular bear and his white boots are molded with “PB” on the soles after Gabrielle Designs began manufacturing their own footwear.

This bear remains a timeless example of exceptional craftsmanship and storytelling brought to life, treasured by both collectors and admirers of British design.

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. 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 Us?

Every bear offered at Hornseys’ is personally handled and catalogued by Helen Hornsey, who brings over a decade of specialist experience to our collection of rare and vintage bruins. Running the gallery alongside her husband Daniel, Helen has developed an expert eye for the unique nuances of makers like Steiff, Gabrielle Bears, R. John Wright, Merrythought, and Charlie Bears. She prides herself on her meticulous attention to detail, particularly when photographing our rare bears; she ensures that every high-resolution image captures the true character, texture, and condition of these sought-after items. This dedicated approach allows collectors to buy with absolute confidence, knowing that each bear has been documented with the same care and precision that defines the Hornsey family’s 50-year legacy in Ripon.

Postage is free in the UK and we also offer fully-insured and tracked worldwide shipping.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every range is thoroughly researched and vetted to ensure that it meets our exacting standards.
• Expert Curation: We select each range with an eye for tastefulness, refinement, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Established in 1976, Hornseys’ is a family business based in Ripon. We buy and sell rare and signed books, artwork, maps, furnishings, bruins, ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ and many other carefully curated items. We exhibit regularly at London book-fairs. We sell to leading dealers and clients throughout the world. Authenticity is guaranteed on all our products. Postage is free in the UK and we also offer fully-insured and tracked worldwide shipping.

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