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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

It Wasn’t Paddington’s Fault

Associated Press

The factory that manufactured the original Paddington Bear stuffed toy for a quarter of a century has buckled under debt.

Paddington, with his signature blue oversized duffel coat and shiny yellow boots, is manufactured under American license in Southeast Asia as a soft bear. But the original standup shelf version, which recently has become more of a collector’s item than a cuddly toy, was made only at Gabrielle Designs’ north England factory.

The bear first took life as a character in a children’s book series, in which he arrived in London from Peru with little more than a suitcase and a label around his neck reading “Please look after this bear.”

Paddington’s copyright owner dismissed speculation that the factory collapsed because the bear has lost his appeal in the face of modern competitors.

It was simply too expensive to continue making the toys at the factory, said Karen Jankel, daughter of the author of the Paddington books, Michael Bond.

She said the classic Paddington, who turns 40 this year, is on temporary hiatus, but that there is no guarantee he will be made in Britain next time round.