R John Wright – Paddington Bear – Limited Edition – 2000

Maker: R John Wright
Date: 2000
Edition: Edition of 2500 pieces, no. 1461
Price: £850 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Alpaca
Size: 15″ (38cm approx)
Condition: Fine condition with certificate of authenticity, original box and leather suitcase.

Hand-made in Vermont, USA.

Paddington Bear: A Brief Description

The R John Wright Paddington Bear, released in the year 2000, is a lovingly crafted interpretation of the beloved literary character from Michael Bond’s classic children’s stories. Measuring 15 inches tall, this exquisite bear is part of a highly respected collection that brings iconic characters to life with warmth, authenticity, and a museum-quality attention to detail. Handcrafted in Vermont by one of the world’s foremost makers of character bears, this Paddington captures the spirit, charm, and innocent curiosity that has endeared the bear from Darkest Peru to generations of readers. This bear possesses a remarkable sense of personality and narrative presence. His slightly tilted head, wide-set eyes, and modest stance evoke the bear’s sweet nature, earnest intentions, and mild confusion about the strange goings-on in the human world. He feels like he’s just stepped off the train, ready to explore London and be taken into someone’s heart and home.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Paddington is made from luxurious alpaca plush, custom-woven for its dense, soft texture and gentle sheen. The alpaca fibre has been expertly trimmed and shaped to define his rounded limbs and slightly stooped posture, lending a touch of realism while preserving a cuddly, storybook appeal. His face is beautifully sculpted, with subtle airbrushing around the snout and eyes to give dimension and expressiveness. He has a neatly sculpted black nose with a glossy finish that suggests a soft, lifelike texture. His inset glass eyes are positioned to create a gaze that is at once alert and endearing. These eyes convey a gentle intelligence and innocent wonder – essential qualities of Paddington’s character. Fully five-way jointed, Paddington’s head, arms, and legs are articulated using traditional internal disc joints, allowing for a wide range of posing. His build is compact yet sturdy, reflecting the proportions often illustrated in early editions of the books, and his overall silhouette is faithful to classic depictions.

Paddington’s iconic outfit is recreated in miniature couture quality using natural materials. He wears his signature blue duffle coat, custom-tailored from a fine wool felt. The coat features wooden toggles, perfectly scaled for his size and is lined with a deep red felt. Paddington wears his classic felt bush hat, wide-brimmed and slightly floppy, giving him that recognisable, slightly dishevelled look. The hat is shaped to tilt just enough to suggest his curious nature and slightly mischievous streak. His ensemble is completed with his signature luggage tag, bearing the handwritten plea: “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” – a tiny but profoundly nostalgic detail that links the figure directly to the story’s opening pages. No Paddington would be complete without his leather suitcase, and this edition does not disappoint. Crafted from genuine leather, the suitcase is fully functional, with working brass-style hardware and a stitched handle. Inside, it is lined and contains a jar of orange marmalade. This accessory not only enhances Paddington’s backstory – arriving at Paddington Station from Peru – but also showcases the artisan skill involved in miniature leatherwork. The suitcase is scaled to rest at his feet.

Presentation and Significance

Each bear from this edition bears the R John Wright brass identification button on the back of the bear, affirming its authenticity. Released in 2000, this Paddington was part of a limited edition and includes a signed certificate of authenticity, affirming its provenance and position within the numbered series. As with all R John Wright creations, every bear was entirely handcrafted from the cutting of the alpaca fabric to the hand-finishing of the smallest button. The figure has become a sought-after collector’s item, valued not only for its association with a treasured character but also for its exceptional build quality, material richness, and meticulous attention to design detail. Unlike mass-produced versions of the character, this Paddington exudes an aura of crafted nostalgia, blending the warmth of childhood memory with the elegance of fine toy-making. Whether standing proudly on display or seated among books and mementoes, he brings literary charm to any setting. The R John Wright Paddington Bear is a masterwork of character sculpture in plush form. With his sumptuous alpaca coat, fully jointed body, glass eyes, and beautifully crafted accessories – including his leather suitcase and hand-sewn clothing – he is as much a work of art as he is a toy. This bear captures the heart and spirit of Paddington with unmatched skill and affection, offering both timeless collectability and emotional resonance for admirers of fine craftsmanship and classic children’s literature.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and fine gifts is meticulously curated to ensure that it reflects refined taste and elegance.

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:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of fine art, illustration, rare books, gifts and objects. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.

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