Hello World! Welcome Friends! Amidst the flood of interactive toys that sing, dance and light up, there is one toy that hasn’t changed in decades. The traditional stuffed animals have been a part of nurseries and bedrooms for years because they’re cuddly and oh-so endearing. They have a timeless appeal that reflects memories and childhood.
While every house has a teddy bear or two, there is, unfortunately, only one manufacturer in the UK who makes these toys – Merrythought. But the positive news is that the company is doing exceptionally well. Forbes reports that the beloved toy manufacturer continuously records increasing sales. So, what’s the story behind its success?
High-End Toys with a Long History
The teddy-bear factory was opened in 1930 in Ironbridge, Shropshire by William Gordon Holmes, owner of a spinning mill, who saw an opportunity to produce high-end soft toys using the cushy natural fibres they were able to procure. It soon became a thriving brand known for its handmade teddies which grace homes around the world even today.
Naturally, it has since expanded to include additional toys, but the original company is still in operation. The ownership is still passed down through families with each new generation. Even today, they remain in the same factory. They survived World War II and are currently trying to overcome the challenging economy and intense competition from mass manufacturing.
Of course, all this is thanks to their premium craftsmanship. The traditional hand-made bears are designed to last for generations, becoming precious family heirlooms. Today, each bear is painstakingly made by skilled hands at the fourth-generation family business utilising age-old methods that have been refined over the years.
The lovely Merrythought toys are all so adorable, that you’ll have a hard time deciding which one to welcome into your family. Mohair and other specialised textiles like alpaca are used to make these toys in a range of designs and hues. This is quite a refreshment from most other commercially sold plush animals that are made using acrylic fabrics. Because of this, the teddy bears and other stuffed animals have a timeless, classic look and can survive for a very long time.
There are even collector’s bears in addition to the high-quality toys that adhere to CE safety regulations. These are very well-liked in Japan and are created in small quantities to ensure their exclusivity.
Popular Editions
Christophers Robin’s Teddy Bear
This bear is a copy of Edward, Christopher Robin’s original teddy bear from the film “Goodbye Christopher Robin”, which Farnell made in 1921 and is credited with inspiring AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh tales.
This gorgeous bear is made by hand using the same age-old techniques and supplies as Christopher Robin’s original Edward bear. It has a rich, antique golden mohair coat and sandy-beige pure wool felt paws.
In addition, this bear also “growls” when tipped. As part of a limited edition, each bear has a unique number and is packaged in a cotton gift bag.
The Platinum Jubilee Cheeky Bear
This teddy-bear design was developed as an everlasting homage to Her Majesty the Queen in the year she marks 70 years of reign. These adorably hand-crafted collectible bears feature paws made entirely of pure cotton velvet and silver-tipped diamond white mohair plush.
The hand-stitched blue eyes, nose and smile give these toys a life-like charm. The regal crown is sandwiched between the years 1952 and 2022 that are stitched on her left paw. The Cheeky bear has a recognizable jingle in each ear and a lovely smile.
Coco the Cat
The adorable Coco plush cat is expertly crafted from dark black mohair and contrasted with pure white inner ears and stomach. The finishing touches to the distinctively feline appearance are a long tail with a white tip, off-white wool felt paws and adorable black cotton whiskers. The bean-filled and felt construction makes this toy perfect for cuddles.
Freddy the Fox
Freddy is simply charming, possessing all the qualities of a real-life cunning fox. He is expertly made from classic white and copper-brown mohair and proudly flaunts a stunning white-tipped “brush” tail. His cheeky grin and the whiskers on his sharp snout add to his distinct personality.
Wordsworth 250th Anniversary Bunny
This is a limited edition of only 250 toys which are only available through Goviers. This lovely bunny was made from mohair and has 100% felt paws. Its waistcoat is made from genuine Harris Tweed with a traditional herringbone design. It comes in a branded cotton drawstring bag and an exclusive Goviers tag. Not meant as a toy, this bunny is the perfect collector’s item.
The Royal Guardsman Teddy
This teddy bear with a well-crafted, real Guardsman uniform is an iconic representation of British culture. The attire is completely detachable, allowing the bear to be appreciated in all its finery or simply as a gorgeous vintage soft toy. It is based on the uniform worn by real Buckingham Palace guards and includes a “Bearskin” hat.
Stratford the Bear
Stratford is a distinctive teddy bear with a traditional style crafted from the finest pale gold alpaca. Pure cotton cream velvet paws and overall suppleness make this bear difficult to put down. A stunning copper-gold bow completes the bear’s look, further enhancing its vibrant colors.
The Famous People Who Owned the Iconic Toys
The teddies have been owned by royalty over the years; most famously, the Queen, who received a Merrythought corgi in the 1950s. And more recently, special bears were made to celebrate the births of Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Several other famous people have also purchased the soft toys, notably Zayn Malik of One Direction, who chose a 2.5 meter-tall bear as a Valentine’s gift for an unidentified woman.
Additionally, Merrythought teddies have been frequently featured on the screens. The toys have made several cameos in well-known television shows like Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey. If you take a good look, you’ll notice that Sybbie Branson, the daughter of Tom Branson and Lady Sybil, always has her cherished stuffed bunny by her side.
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Toodles,
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