Description
This friendly teddy bear is inspired by the real Canadian black bear who played an important role in the history of AA Milne’s beloved Winnie The Pooh stories. Lovingly handmade from the softest jet-black alpaca plush, paired with a fawn-coloured muzzle, Winnipeg features embroidered detailing on her paws, captivating life-like eyes, and a cheerful smile. Each bear is individually numbered as part of a limited edition of 1926pcs, representing the year that Winnie The Pooh was first published. Presented in a pure cotton dust bag, with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Winnipeg, known as Winnie, was the beloved pet bear of Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, an English vet who had emigrated to Canada to serve with the Royal Canadian Army Veterinary Corps. While travelling across Canada to join the regiment and serve in World War 1, he bought Winnie as a cub from a hunter who had sadly killed her mother and named her after his adoptive hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
When Lieutenant Colebourn’s regiment was sent to train in England in 1914, Winnie accompanied him and became a mascot to the Second Canadian Infantry Brigade, however he left her in the safe keeping of London Zoo while he was deployed to the battlefields of France. Winnie remained at London Zoo from 1915 until her passing in 1934, and during that time became a favourite of Christopher Robin, son of AA Milne, who was a regular visitor during the early 1920s. She thus inspired Milne to name the lead character of his famous books, Winnie The Pooh.
Size: 13″
Material:
Teddy Bear Outer: Alpaca Plush
Filling: Recycled polyester (PET), Recycled Glass Beads
Features:
Created by Merrythought as a Limited Edition of 1926pcs.
Winnipeg teddy bear is individually numbered and presented with a pure cotton dust bag.
A certificate of authenticity is also enclosed with each bear.
Light surface clean only.
Suitable for children over 36 months.
Please remove all tags and accessories before giving to a child.
Handmade in Ironbridge, Shropshire, since 1930.
Made in Great Britain
Merrythought has been handmaking the quintessential English teddy bear in its original factory in Ironbridge, Shropshire, since 1930. Each bear is made using premium natural materials and original patterns, giving it a unique character and lasting quality. The eyes, legs, arms and joints are skilfully sewn and assembled by hand. Merrythought bears are cherished by both children and collectors; they are a symbol of British craftsmanship and heritage.
