Sitting Bear
Teddy Bears and Famous People
As we are all very much aware, teddy bears have been owned and loved by thousands of people the entire world over, regardless of their age, nationality or gender and by both rich and poor, but do we realise just how many famous people have owned a teddy bear?
Politicians, Members of the Royal Family, Sportsmen and women, Pop Stars and Film Stars have all been known to own a special teddy bear. Many celebrities have finally come clean to admitting they have owned a teddy bear who they have loved, even though, it is only during the past few decades that owning and loving a teddy bear has not had a stigma attached to it. Previously, loving a teddy bear was thought of as being a bit childish or you were looked upon as being a bit eccentric. Thankfully, however, we can all now shout it from the roof-tops that we love teddy bears!
Alexis Tarnoff, the famous dancer, was given a teddy bear when he was just five years old (he was born in 1901 – just before the teddy bear made his appearance). His teddy bear had black painted boot-button eyes and he is made of mohair. He is quite an unusual kind of teddy bear, his arms and legs are rather narrow and they are attached to his body with exterior metal fastenings, which look like large metal buttons, which carry the tradename ‘Shield’. Actually, this bear does look a lot like the early French teddy bears, dating back to the 1920′s – 1930′s, as these bears had external jointing just like his. The problem is, if this were the case, the dates, etc. do not match up, so I suppose his teddy bear will always be a bit of a mystery. Unfortunately Alexis Tarnoff died in 1989, so we cannot ask him more about his old bear’s history. However, trying to work out a teddy bear’s history is often very exciting and interesting and really does add to the excitement of collecting teddy bears.
The Late Dame Barbara Cartland, who was famous for writing romantic novels, had a teddy bear who she called The Prince of Love. She said that he epitomised the teddy bear version of her romantic heroes. The Prince of Love was adorned all over by an array of jewels which were bestowed upon him by Ms Cartland. He had earrings sewn up and down his arms and in one ear and he wore a beautiful pink ribbon around his neck (Ms Cartland was always famous for wearing pink herself). She dressed her teddy bear to look, as she said, like an indian prince. Barbara even wrote a special poem for her beloved teddy bear.
Dame Judy Dench, the famous actress who amongst many other roles, is famous for playing ‘M’ in the recent James Bond films, she has been an avid teddy bear collector for many years. She now has over 100 teddy bears in her collection, her favourite teddy bear is her first bear who she calls ‘Gray’. Gray is dressed in lovely green trousers.
Ringo Starr (drummer with The Beatles) has a very large Panda which was given to him in 1976 by Keith Moon (the famous drummer with The Who). It was obviously love at first sight, as the two became almost inseparable. Ringo called his Panda ‘Chairman of the Board’, as he now resides over all of Ringo’s business meetings. The Chairman of the Board was given a pair of white gloves which once belonged to Marc Bolan (of T-Rex fame).
The late and great poet, Sir John Betjeman (1906 – 1984) had a beloved teddy bear who was made by the famous German firm Steiff (circa 1910). Sir John derived great comfort from his teddy bear who he called ‘Archibald’. Sir John even wrote Archibald into his poetry (Summoned By Bells). When he died, Archibald was in his arms.
Teddy Bears have also been quite active in Parliament. Edwina Currie’s bear called ‘Omar’ would often sit on her desk at the House of Commons, as her lucky mascot. Sometimes, Edwina would practice her speeches on him and not once did he moan or answer back.
The late Dr. Marjorie (Mo) Mowlan had a big and, as she called him, ‘rather ugly’ teddy bear which her Father bought for her when she was a small child, he bought him from the local tobacconist, she called him ‘Growler’.
Ex Prime Minster, Margaret Thatcher, had a large teddy bear who she called ‘Humphrey’ who was made of sheepskin with brown leather paws, he was born around 1930. During the 1980′s he lived with the Prime Minister at No.10 Downing Street, London, of course, that was when he was not away from office doing important charity work. Humphrey was a large bear too at 22 inches tall. Sadly, poor old Humphrey went to teddy bear heaven in 1988 after he was put in the washing machine.
The late Earl Mountbatten of Burman (1900 – 1979), grew up to become first sea lord. He owned a beautiful and much loved Steiff Bear (circa 1904). Presumably, his teddy bear was given to him by one of his German relatives.
BBC’s famous gardener, Alan Titchmarsh has a bear who he calls ‘Teddy’, who sits on a chair outside his bedroom door. Unfortunately, the bear has lost most of his stuffing from his hands. Although his head is still quite firmly attached, it does seem to ‘lean’ a bit to one side. Poor old Teddy smiles a friendly biro smile which Alan put on him to replace his black stitched one.
The Late Dusty Springfield owned a beautiful Merrythought ‘Cheeky’ Teddy Bear who she called Mr Einstein.
Prince Charles is also very well known for his love of teddy bears and was photographed taking his teddy bear to school with him. The Late Queen Mother too, loved teddy bears and has been photographed on many occasions holding teddy bears and, when Sarah Ferguson married Prince Andrew, Prince Edward gave them both a big Merrythought Teddy Bear.
Elvis Presley had many teddy bears, although he did have a special teddy bear who he called Mabel. Mabel went to teddy heaven when, after visiting England, she had a confrontation with a dog. Elvis had a hit with his song Teddy Bear and was later bombarded with teddy bears on stage by his fans every time he sang the song.
Shirley Temple sang the beautiful song Me And My Teddy Bear and later the song was covered by many artists including Peter Gabriel, Sharron Corr and Rosemary Clooney.
There really are so many Pop Stars, Film Stars and Show biz people who have owned teddy bears, far too many to mention in this article and lots of other famous poeple too, such as Donald Campbell (the land speed and water record breaker). Amy Johnson (who flew solo from England to Australia), Willie Carson (the jokey), Jimmy Hill (the sports commentator) and so on and so on…..
It is therefore extremely clear to us all that even the rich and famous need the love, support and comfort of a teddy bear. Is there really no end to his love ?
About the Author
Gino loves fast cars, especially fast italian cars. Gino also loves anything Italian. Gino also heads an old teddy bear site which is full of adorable old teddy bears and their friends.
Please visit his website at www.ginosbears.co.uk
Jerry Garcia & David Grisman – Sitting Here In Limbo – Warfield Theatre – 12/7/91
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Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Build-A-Bear Cake Pan $27.89 Create a beautiful and uniquely shaped cake with this Build-A-Bear Workshop Cake Pan from Nordic Ware. This cake pan features great detail that is sure to make baking special for every family. The pan also has a nonstick coating which enables you to get the whole cake out safely with out any damage to the design. This licensed Build-A-Bear Workshop cake pan even includes a $5 off coupon on a purch… |
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Willie Black Bear Salt & Pepper Shaker Holder (Includes 2 Shakers) $17.95 A very cute black bear salt and pepper shaker holder that includes 2 shakers…. |
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Cute Willie Black Bear Wine Bottle Holder 9.5 $22.95 This playful bear is ready to hold a 750ml wine bottle while laying on his back on your kitchen counter or table at home or lodge/camp. Made of polyresin. 9.5″ x 6″… |
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Kids In Action $12.27 Song Titles include: Kids In Action; The Way We Do It; Bop ‘Til You Drop; Goin’ On A Bear Hunt; Beanie Bag Dance; New Beginning; Get Ready, Get Set, Let’s Dance; Conga Line; Can’t Sit Still; My Aunt Came Back; Can You Leap Like A Frog?; and Beautiful World…. |
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Potty Power – For Boys & Girls $8.89 Initiates and motivates children’s interest in toilet training.Genre: Children’s VideoRating: NRRelease Date: 25-MAY-2004Media Type: DVD… |
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Michael: Music From The Motion Picture $5.74 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
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Winnie the Pooh Stick Wall Art Sticker Decal 2PGS (Sitting Branch) $12.99 These mural art wall stickers can transform any room in your house with little fuss. The patterns are very easily to stick on, and just as simple to remove when you re ready to change the décor. The stickers are made with high quality vinyl and are quite long lasting. They come with instructions on how to add and remove them to almost any surface on your house. Perfect for decorating a child’s ro… |
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Brown Bear, 8 Years Old, Sitting in Front of White Background – 24H x 23W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $40.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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Polar Bear Sitting on a Rock – 36W x 24H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $51.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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Earth Mama Angel Baby Earth Mama Bottom Balm … |
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Sterling Silver Black Bear Charm $39.99 Handsome black bear is a tame and charming addition to your jewelry collectionSterling silver charm features a sitting bear and will delight any animal loverCharm has a detailed design and a polished finish |
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NWT Gund BOOKER 44406 Teddy Bear Glasses Brown Sit HCTS $34.99 |
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VINTAGE 60′s JAKAS TEDDY BEAR BIG TED 48cm tall sitting 33cm Aussie $49.32 |
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BEARINGTON WEDDING BEARS BRIDE AND GROOM WITH A CUTE BENCH TO SIT ON $34.99 |
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Prop toy bear for reborn doll clothes doll 14n.long 8in.sitting NWT $0.75 |
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Dan Dee Collector’s Choice Sitting Teddy Bear $11.69 |
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Steiff 104978 Bernie Husky Sitting Grey White 25cm New $86.94 |
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Dollhouse Handcrafted Working Sitting Teddy Bear Puzzle Wood Miniatures $34.95 |
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PLUSH SITTING CHAMP CARE BEAR / SO CUTE / CHEAP $3.99 |
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GUND Godiva Chef Plush bear Sitting 8″ $3.50 |
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LARGE PLUSH SITTING HARMONY CARE BEAR / SO CUTE / CHEAP $5.99 |
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2 Coke Polar Bears–1 Stuffed In A 9″ Bottle & One 1993 Stuffed 7″ Sitting Up $19.95 |
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PLUSH SITTING GOOD LUCK BEAR / NEW WITH TAGS $5.99 |
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ME TO YOU BEAR TATTY TEDDY COLLECTION PAIR SITTING ON A LARGE PINK ARMCHAIR $7.29 |
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12″ Plush Sitting Tan Bear w/Aviator Jacket, Hat & Scarf by Build A Bear $15.95 |
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Plush Piglette Winnie the Pooh Disney 8″ Sitting $10.00 |
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Vtg STEIFF Mohair Plush REVUE SUSI Cocker Spaniel Dog sitting ID 12 cm Golden $29.95 |
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CARE BEAR [SHINE BRIGHT BEAR] EUC]2002[7 INCHES TALL]SITTING BEAR $0.99 |
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Flower and Lace Dressed Sitting Stuffed Bear with Straw Hat $8.99 |
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Vintage Two-Tone Mink Teddy Bear – 13″ High Sitting Position $99.00 |
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GANZ TUXEDO BEAR VINTAGE 1989 @ 8″ TALL SITTING ~ AF $19.80 |
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Ganz Heritage Vintage 1986 Chubby Sitting Bear $113.76 |
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Vintage Sitting Teddy Bear w Long Muzzle $99.95 |
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Steiff The Playful Bear Sitting 077296 2005 $149.95 |
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PLUSH MALLARD SITTING DUCK WILBUR MADE FROM SOFT BALL CREATIONS 1985 9″ $5.99 |
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Care bears Harmony Bear Plush Stuffed Animal 10 inch Sitting Purple Flower $9.99 |
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VINTAGE PLUSH GERMAN STEIFF SITTING CUTE TEDDY BEAR * $335.00 |
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ME TO YOU BEAR WEARING FRIENDS ALWAYS T SHIRT 6 INCHES SITTING $7.89 |
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ME TO YOU BEAR HOLDING 21ST KEY 6 INCHES SITTING $6.31 |
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ME TO YOU BEAR HOLDING A DAISY FLOWER 6 INCHES SITTING $6.31 |
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Prop kuala bear for reborn doll clothes, very cute for preemie 5&1/2in. sitting $0.75 |
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