Bear necessities

NEWBY Hall may be famous for classical Greek statues, but did you know it also houses one of the finest collections of dolls houses and miniatures in the world?

Now the stately pile near Ripon has another claim to fame – as home to one of the largest collections of teddy bears.

The 1,000 strong assemblage was put together by Bruin enthusiast Gyles Brandreth and from tomorrow goes on permanent display in a new, purpose-built, bear house in the grounds.

They first went on show at Mr Brandreth's Teddy Bear Museum in Stratford-upon-Avon. Subsequently relocating to the Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, his bears have now landed at Newby following a visit to make a film about the house’s history and heritage.

“I discovered that this was where, during the Second World War, the King and Queen would have sought refuge, in the event of a German invasion,” says Mr Brandreth. “Well, I thought, if this place is fit for a King, it’s good enough for my bears.

“They are my pride and joy, a life time’s collection. Now they have a house designed by Sir Christobear Wren as their home.”

Highlights include the original star of the 1970s Paddington TV series, jointed so he could pose for stop frame filming, Harry Corbett’s 1950s Sooty and a Fozzie Bear donated by Muppeteer Jim Henson. The collection also boasts rare and unusual bears, including early English examples from Merrythought, as well as the Pauline Grattan collection of twentieth century Hermann dressed bears.

There's even one made out of moss.

“Teddies have been with us since about 1902 and were named after Teddy Roosevelt, the President of the United States,” says Mr Brandreth. “At the same time in Europe, a German company, called Steiff, was making them. Bears became popular because they were the first toy boys and girls could enjoy equally.

“Here we here celebrate them all. The collection has everyone from Winnie the Pooh to the original Fozzie Bear; a present from Jim Henson. There are tiny ones, huge ones, famous ones, Royal ones, you name it, we've got it. Come to Newby Hall and you will be in for many a surprise.”

Among the VIBs (very important bears) are Mr Bean’s knitted teddy, Francois, former French president Francois Mitterand’s bear, and Ragged, who belonged to Richard Briers.

All are displayed in a series of specially commissioned tableaux, ranging from a classic picnic and library scene (books include Macbear, Paw and Peace, Jane Bear, The Merry Bears of Windsor, and the Encyclopedia Beartannica) to a church wedding and even an Olympic track.

Literary bears are also represented by the Bear of Avon, William Shakesbeare himself, who was designed by Mr Brandreth.

Sadly Growler, his constant childhood companion is not one of them. He went AWOL many years ago and has yet to return. However, Growler did spark a lifelong interest in teddy bears.

And that led to a chance meeting with a boyhood hero.

“A few years ago I wrote a play about AA Milne who created the Winnie the Pooh stories for his son Christopher Robin, who I eventually met when we put on the play as a musical,” says Mr Brandreth. “It featured a Pooh bear that is here at the Hall, but he didn’t like the smile. So when you come to Newby. Winnie the Pooh won’t be looking at you, but away from you, on the instructions of the real Christopher Robin.

“I shall be quite regularly here at the Bear House and if you meet me you may shake my hand, so that you can tell your children and grandchildren that once upon a time you shook the hand, that shook the hand that held the paw of Winnie the Pooh.”