Gabrielle Designs – The Phantom Of The Opera Paddington Bear – Registered Design No. 957892 – 37 cm – c.1980

Description

An exceptionally unusual Gabrielle Designs Paddington Bear dressed as The Phantom of the Opera, made in Doncaster, England, circa 1980.

The underlying bear is an original Gabrielle Designs Paddington, identified by the original sewn-in manufacturer’s label carrying UK Registered Design No. 957892, the historic design registration associated with Gabrielle’s licensed Paddington bears.

Gabrielle Designs was the first company to produce officially licensed Paddington soft toys, beginning in 1972. Over the following years the Doncaster firm produced Paddington in a variety of sizes and special presentations, some of which are now considerably scarcer than the familiar duffle-coated examples.

This example measures approximately 37 cm high and is made from cream long-pile plush, with inset orange-rimmed eyes and a moulded black nose. The body is non-jointed and firmly stuffed, following the characteristic Gabrielle construction of the period.

What makes this bear especially distinctive is the elaborate Phantom of the Opera costume. Paddington wears a black evening jacket and trousers over a white shirt and bow tie, with a broad red cummerbund, black theatrical hat, black cape lined in vivid red and a small red rose to the lapel. The strong black, white and red colour scheme gives the bear a dramatic stage presence entirely different from the standard Gabrielle Paddington.

The outfit appears to have never been removed and is still held in place with its plastic ties. Its construction, materials and scale are entirely consistent with the age and manufacture of the bear.

The original woven Gabrielle Designs label remains securely sewn to the rear beneath the costume, providing direct confirmation of the maker.

A particularly scarce and theatrical variation of the classic Gabrielle Designs Paddington, with considerably greater visual and collector interest than the standard production bears.

Condition

Very good vintage collectible condition.

The cream plush remains attractive with only light age-related wear. The bear retains his original facial features and remains firm and well formed.

The Phantom of the Opera costume is complete and includes black hat, black jacket and trousers, white shirt and bow tie, red cummerbund, red-lined cape and red lapel rose.

There is light general wear and minor surface fluffing to the felt and textile elements consistent with age.

The original sewn-in Gabrielle Designs Ltd woven label is present to the rear.

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

Maker: Gabrielle Designs Ltd, Doncaster, England
Date: Circa 1980
Character: Paddington Bear as The Phantom of the Opera
UK Registered Design: No. 957892
Height: Approximately 37 cm / 14½ inches
Material: Cream long-pile plush with felt and textile costume
Construction: Non-jointed, firmly stuffed character bear with moulded nose, inset eyes and original theatrical costume.

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.

(BR)