Britain’s oldest remaining teddy bear manufacturer, Merrythought, which celebrated its 90th anniversary earlier this year, is bringing a touch of magic to its 2020 Christmas Teddy Bear. After months in development, the Shropshire-based firm has unveiled this year’s limited edition teddy bear.
With a magical starry night theme, the unique teddy bear wears a magnificent, fully-lined, midnight-blue velvet cape featuring embroidered silver stars and a faux fur-trimmed hood. The 2020 Christmas Teddy Bear also features a beautifully embroidered left paw, which sees the iconic Merrythought wishbone, and the year 2020, interspersed with navy and silver stars.
Director Sarah Holmes, the great-granddaughter of the company’s founder Gordon Holmes, said she was thrilled to be releasing this year’s Christmas bear. “2020 has been a very special year for us as we marked 90 years in business, but it’s safe to say that this year has been a particularly challenging one, too.
“With the UK lockdown and social distancing regulations in place, we weren’t able to enjoy the 90th anniversary celebrations we had hoped for. But it hasn’t stopped us from creating our luxury handmade teddy bears, and we’re excited to now be revealing our very special Christmas teddy bear to our valued followers and collectors.
“Our teddy bears are a gift that people cherish for many years, and this one is no exception. We wanted the Merrythought 2020 Christmas Teddy Bear to be a real show-stopper, and a memento of the year.”
Merrythought teddy bears are world-renowned and sold as far afield as Australia and Japan. With a team of 20 people making every bear by hand, it’s a delicate 15-stage process which uses the finest materials and skills.
Sarah continued: “Each Merrythought teddy bear is lovingly handmade right here in the world heritage site of Ironbridge, where our factory has been since my great-grandfather founded the company back in 1930. And with only 200 Christmas teddy bears being manufactured, gift-givers can be sure that their loved ones are receiving a present that is incredibly unique.”
The firm has worked with many other leading British brands on some highly successful collaborations over the years.
It has made teddy bears for several royal babies and famous children, and has worked with high profile brands such as Mulberry; Burberry; British Airways; and the Savoy Hotel, whilst also collaborating with a number of charities. These currently include the Children’s Air Ambulance, SSAFA; The Armed Forces Charity, and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust – each of which have a teddy bear that raises funds for their very worthwhile causes.
The 2020 Christmas Teddy Bear is presented in a luxury gift box, and can be purchased for £175 from merrythought.co.uk.
