A year later, the first catalogue was produced by Florence Attwood. This book contained 32 toys, including the very first Merrythought Bear – named Magnet! The big names soon came calling, with Harrods, Hamleys and Selfridges all stocking Merrythought products.

In 1937, the first pandas were created by the company – just a year or two after the western world had been told about their existence.

Post War 

During the war, the British Admiralty move into Merrythought’s Coalbrookdale factory to commence vital map-making work. At the government’s request, the workers at Merrythought began producing textile items such as helmet linings and gas mask bags for the war. The company would start making bears once again in 1946, despite limited supplies.

In 1949, the world was introduced to the now iconic Punkinhead (Punkie Bear), one of the last to be designed by Florence Attwood. A year later, Holmes’ son Bernard joined the company and he began to shape the future of the brand. The company now produced animals, dolls and gollys alongside the teddy bear.

In 1956, Merrythought Bears purchased the factory they worked in from The Coalbrookdale Company. An automatic stuffing machine was bought from America to help keep up with the increasing production numbers.

Two years later the company broke into European markets, appearing at the Nuremberg trade show. Shortly after, Merrythought Bears were exporting to colonial nations such as New Zealand and Australia.

The licensed 60’s 

During the 60’s and 70’s, Merrythought began producing wide range of licensed products, based on some of the famous characters from the time. Examples included:

• Sooty.
• Yogi Bear.
• Winnie the Pooh.
• Donald Duck.
• Mickey Mouse.
• Pluto
• Bambi.

This was shortly followed by an expansion into hobby horses, rocking horses and push-along toys such as Pablo the Donkey and Nellie Elephant.

The Collectors 90’s 

Merrythought Bears celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1990 by releasing its first International Collectible Bear. Demand rocketed, leading to the company releasing a separate collectors catalogue alongside the traditional copy.

In 1992 the company won the prestigious Teddy Bear of the Year award with the Master Mischief bear. Three years later, Oliver Holmes founded the Merrythought International Collector’s Club and opened the factory to the world for the first time.

Recent Times 

In 2010, a series of 80th birthday bears were produced to help celebrate Merrythought Bears’ birthday. The following year marked the passing of Oliver, who died aged just 60 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

The company was passed down to his three daughters, with Sarah and Hannah Holmes taking over the management side of things.

In 2012, Merrythought Bears were asked to become a licensee for the London Olympic Games and produced the official teddy bear for the historic event, alongside the Paralympic Games and for Team GB.

A year later, a special teddy bear was produced to celebrate the birth of Prince George of Cambridge. Last year, another royal special edition was produced, this time for the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations.

The unique teddy bear was made from the most opulent mohair in a rich buttermilk shade, with a commemorative royal cypher embroidered onto the left paw. The teddy bear wore an overcoat and matching hat to symbolise the Queen’s style.

You can find out even more about the history of Merrythought Bears on their interactive timeline.

Some of our favourites 

There are so many amazing teddies to choose from when we look through the Merrythought Bears collection. One of our favourites is Digby the dog! Digby is carefully crafted from sandy-gold and special multi-tonal grey mohair, and features endearing lop-sided ears; one pricked upwards and the other folded.

The fine detail of his design includes hand embroidered claws, nose and smile, along with an adorable little turned-up puppy tail.

Another favourite of ours is the Henley Teddy Bear. A short-trimmed muzzle highlights the beaming smile on this simply adorable teddy bear. Henley comes with an opulent burgundy bow and his friendly personality ensures that he really is a bear to fall in love with.

So go ahead, delve into Toy Street and wonder at the pieces that await. Bears that will complement your collection, bears that you will long to take home and love to love. With our extensive range of luxurious bears and animals, you will find yourself coming back time and again and loving your experience every time.