Most people will admit to having a childhood teddy, whether they are five or 55 but what makes these stuffed toys so important, and what makes some bears really stand out?
Most people, regardless of age or gender, still have a childhood stuffed toy, whether it’s a rabbit, bear or other cuddle creature. Stuffed animals can be a source of comfort in times of difficulty, loneliness or anxiety as their softness and texture provides a sense of comfort, making them feel safe, and this feeling carries on through to adulthood as research found more than 15 per cent of UK adults still sleep with their childhood toy or blanket.
One woman knows this national love of teddies better than anyone. Rachel is owner of Asquith’s teddy bear shop, which was established in Henley-on-Thames in 1984 and is one of the world’s leading teddy bear shops. The shop sells a wide range of teddy bears including top bear brands Steiff and Charlie bears, as well as some priceless one-of-a-kind bears – some of which are not for sale.
“Collecting teddy bears has always been a hobby of mine,” says Rachel. “I used to work here every Saturday and it was always my dream to have a teddy bear shop so two years ago I bought the shop.”
Rachel’s passion for bears is clear as they are in every corner of the shop. Behind the till are some bears kept in glass cabinets, but these are just for display not for sale as they are too precious or valuable.
“I haven’t counted the amount of teddy bears I have – there may be hundreds,” says Rachel, ‘but I’m quite careful with the ones that I buy now and I get them all for [the shop].”
Rachel’s shop is visited by many people every day who come to visit the cute furry bears, whether to buy them or just to look around and sneak in a quick cuddle.
There is no age limit for liking the bears, says Rachel. “It’s a collection hobby,” she says. “I always like the teddy bears – I just think they are very interesting.”
Meet Rachel’s favourite bears:
Rachel’s Mum’s Bear
Compared to the other teddy bears, this one is unusual as it has clothes and glasses on. It has accompanied Rachel for over 40 years as it once belonged to her mum. “He’s an English bear and is about 80-years-old as it was made in 1944,” she says. The surface of the teddy bear is not very smooth and there are threads and some holes in the arm and leg parts, because, according to Rachel, they used to be filled with the wood shaving instead of softer more modern stuffing.
The Designer Bear
This rare bear is a 1920s original from the most well-know makers of teddy bears, Steiff. “This one I bought to auction,” says Rachel. “They didn’t often make white bears, so it’s very rare.”
Boots The Bear
This is pre-1910 German teddy bear is called ‘Boots’. He was owned by a colonel in the army originally who was a massive teddy bear collector. This lady went to a teddy bear event that he did, and she left it in his marquee, he’s quite a famous little bear.’
Bears Abroad
We visited the world famous JeJu teddy bear museum in Korea to see the stars of the show.
One of the world’s most famous teddy bear museums, the JeJu teddy bear museum displays a wide variety of stuffed toys, including classic bears, limited edition teddy bears, alongside themed bears relating to pop culture, historical figures, and films including Star Wars and Harry Potter. Here’s what you can expect to find…
Expensive bears
In a collaboration with Louis Vuitton to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the teddy bear, Steiff, the famous German teddy bear maker, and Louis Vuitton, the French luxury brand, teamed up to create the ultimate teddy bear. Stitched all over with gold thread, its eyes are made of two sapphires and rhinestones, and its mouth is encrusted with gold. It wears a monogram suit with a mini suitcase. It sold at auction in October 2000 for a bear-busting $2.1million (£1.6 million) making it the most expensive bear in the world and winning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Important bears
The Emperor Teddy Bear has an exquisite design, inspired by the style of nobility. Its expression is dignified and majestic, and its postures are imperial. It wears gorgeous imperial clothing, such as robes, crowns, shawls that are often embedded gold threads, gemstones, wearing jewellery and other luxury accessories such as a crown, sceptre and throne.
Bear Sculptures
These sculptures were created by artists and designers, combining modern art styles with traditional teddy bear imagery. They are not only displayed as works of art, but also as symbols of the fusion of teddy bear culture and modern art. Some of the large sculptures have a high artistic value and are not usually sold to the public, they are only for exhibition.