White Teddy
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
poodle – teddy pachini-white
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White Basic Tee Shirt Teddy Bear Clothes Fit 14 – 18 Build-a-bear, Vermont Teddy Bears, and Make Your Own Stuffed Animals $2.45 Adorable stuffed animal and doll clothes; Fits most 14″-18″ Stuffed Animals and Dolls including Build-A-Bear, Vermont Teddy Bear, Animalland, Nanco, Ganz, Bear mill, Teddy Mountain and more…. |
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Aurora Plush 12 Baby Slushy Aurora Babies Polar Bear $7.00 Aurora only uses lock washer or embroidered eyes and nose for safety.’… |
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Gund Bear Brighton $14.50 This lovable, huggable plush line is for children of all ages, and perfect for every occasion. Combining the richness of tradition with the excitement of innovation, the GUND brand is the premier destination for premium plush.’… |
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Teddy Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet $18.88 Drawing on previously untapped sources, naval historian James Reckner provides a complete picture of the fleet that thrust the United States into the ranks of great world naval powers. His fresh interpretations of the fleet’s historic 1907-09 world cruise, which won him the 1989 Roosevelt Naval History Prize, allow today’s readers to fully appreciate the significance of the famous fleet that set s… |
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The Story of A Little White Teddy Bear Who Didn’t Want to Go to Bed Renewed 1959 by Dorothy Sherrill. Hand lettered text printed in blue. Color illustrations. Blue cloth, pictorial label…. |
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The White House in Miniature: Based on the White House Replica by John, Jan, and the Zweifel Family $29.95 Considered to be one of the world’s greatest miniature houses, the replica is the result of over 30 years of research and construction by the Zweifel family. The tiny, working telephones, hand-carved chairs and tables, and miniature carpets that reproduce the original stitch by stitch, are all proof of great craftsmanship and minute attention to detail…. |
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Teddy Hammock Toy Storage Net – White $11.99 * 34 x 34 x 45. * Holds 15 to 20 average size animals * Easy to installs, Includes hooks * For children of all ages Stuffed animals not included… |
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Porcelain Doll In White Coat Holding Teddy Bear By Collections Etc $16.97 Adorable Sammy is dressed to go out in her pretty white velveteen winter coat with matching hat and red shoes. She holds her favorite holiday gift a teddy bear. Her head, hands and feet are crafted of fine bisque porcelain. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from the Heritage Signature Collection. Collectible item not a toy. 20″H…. |
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Teddy Hammock Toy Storage Net – White $8.99 * 34 x 34 x 45. * Holds 15 to 20 average size animals * Easy to installs, Includes hooks * For children of all ages Stuffed animals not included… |
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GUESS Teddy Bear Dress Set with Headband, WHITE (6/9M) $36.50 All eyes will be on your little vision in white when you take her out in this pristine number. Super soft cotton is trimmed with a sweet floral print and skirted with tonal tulle. An adorable teddy bear graphic is made of glittering mini flowers. Raw edge rosette at the shoulder. Round neck with snap button closures at back. Sleeveless. Includes matching bloomers and elastic headband with rosette … |
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Women’s Lingerie White Teddy $12.99 Dazzle in this white teddy from Coquette. The lingerie features adjustable rhinestone straps, a padded underwire demi cup bra, satin ribbon lace-up front, rhinestone and mesh ruffle details, and a Brazilian-cut bottom. |
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H2W Kid’s White Teddy Bear Earflap Hat $19.49 This adorable hat is perfect for playing pretend indoors or as a fun accessory outdoors. This fun white Teddy Bear hat features earflaps and durable construction. |
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Lot of 5 Greek Doll Clothes, White Shirt & Red Tie, Teddy Bear Suit, Outfit New $6.99 |
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White Tie Top’n'Flower Denim Jean Outfit Teddy Bear Clothes fit 15″ Build a Bear $12.63 |
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★100% COTTON ★ TEDDY BEAR ★ HUGE BIG ★ STUFFED SOFT ANIMAL ★ WHITE TOY ★ 31″★ $32.00 |
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Gund White Snuffles Bear 7 inch Plush SO SOFT teddy bear Stuffed Animal NWT 1980 $13.19 |
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VINTAGE STEIFF STUFFED WALKING TEDDY WHITE BEAR SEE LOOK BUTTON MISSING » $148.00 |
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BUILD A BEAR Plush White Blue BABY TEDDY SOFT FUR Sewn Eyes Stuffed $24.63 |
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Huge Big Stuffed Animal TEDDY BEAR Toys 31″ Color : White Free shipping $26.99 |
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Giant 47″ Teddy Bear Huge Big soft Stuffed Plush White $115.00 |
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Kids of America Plush White/Tan Curly Hair TEDDY BEAR $18.73 |
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Boyds 20th Anniversary White Teddy with Tags 9″ 1999 $18.00 |
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Bride Teddy bear in mug White Lace and Promises Russ $9.99 |
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Groom Teddy bear in mug White Lace and Promises Russ $9.99 |
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Jointed Gund White Plush Stuffed Teddy Bear Holding Purple Purse #42987 14″ $37.81 |
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2001 The Bear Factory Soft White Plush Teddy 15″ Tall $12.99 |
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Build a Bear White Teddy & Outfit Plush 14″ $17.67 |
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Build A Bear Plush Cotton Candy White/Pink Teddy Bear $10.95 |
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HARRODS XMAS 2011 ” LARGE” WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRRIER WESTIE DOG TEDDY BEAR $55.25 |
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Bear Works Plush Brown Teddy White Karate Gi Uniform 6″ $24.97 |
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BEARINGTON white plush 10″ TEDDY BEAR sir blizzard SNOWMAN CHRISTMAS with tags $21.00 |
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LARGE WHITE HARRODS SOFT TEDDY BEAR $31.57 |
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STEIFF Western Germany 1987 Edition Classic Teddy Bear 13″ 0203/36 White $74.96 |
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Vtg Teddy KOALA BEAR Plush MERRYTHOUGHT England White $61.98 |
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7″ BOYDS HEAD BEAN COLLECTION TEDDY BEAR – WHITE PLUSH $12.99 |
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BOYDS BEARS White GREETING Holly Teddy Bear 1988-2005 $15.50 |
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Steiff LE Teddy Bear Snow White 13″ EAN 036811 $995.00 |
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Harrods ~ Teddy Bear With Red Jacket/White Fur Trim $7.89 |
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STEIFF “SHELLY TEDDY BEAR” EAN 035784 WHITE MOHAIR WITH SWAROVSKI SHELL PENDANT $240.00 |
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GUND TEDDY BEAR~~HICCUP~~CREAMY WHITE 9″ – 15090 $9.99 |
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VINTAGE RED AND WHITE TEDDY BEAR RUBBER NOSE $5.00 |
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Jaymar Mohair Bear BIG SIS JF00302 ~ Pink Pajamas, White Teddy & Pink Pacifier $44.95 |
Tags: bear, harry/draco, roosevelt, teddy, web2.0, white teddy bear, white teddy bear dog, white teddy bear hamster, white teddy bear names, white teddy bear puppies
This entry was posted on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 5:41 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.