Oct 17, 2022
It was 64 years ago in October 1958, when the world was first introduced to a young bear from Peru in the book 'A Bear Called Paddington'. The rest, as they say, is history. Over the years, Paddington Bear has become one of the most popular fictional bear characters in the UK and across the world. Here we share some interesting facts about him.
Paddington-Bear/-Instagram
More than 1,000 Paddington bears and other teddies left in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II in London and Windsor will be donated to a children’s charity, Buckingham Palace said on October 15, 2022, reported AP.
chrisjacksongetty/-The-Royal-Family-Via-Instagram
It was on the Christmas Eve in 1956 when author Michael Bond, who was searching for a gift for his wife, saw a lonely teddy bear on the store's shelf. Feeling sorry for the toy, Bond ended up buying it. The idea of being abandoned struck with Bond, so much so that he started writing stories about it!
Canva
In fact the bear has a Peruvian name, but people wouldn't be able to pronounce it. Thus, he was named Paddington after the railway station in London, UK where he was found. Interestingly, Bond had also named his toy bear Paddington as he and his wife lived near Paddington railway station back then.
Canva
Bond had originally mentioned that Paddington was from the "darkest Africa". But after the author's agent informed him that there we no bears in Africa but they were in Peru, Bond changed it in his story.
Canva
It was seven years after the popularity of his Paddington Bear that author Michael Bond quit his job at the BBC as a cameraman and became a full-time writer.
Paddington-com
Considering the huge popularity of the Paddington Bear books, they were later adapted into films and cartoon series for children and families.
Paddington-Bear/-Instagram
"When I wrote those few words, I had no idea quite what a change they would eventually make to my life. It was really a case of putting something down on paper in order to get my brain working that morning," Bond said, according Padddington.com.
Paddington-Bear/-Facebook
'The Royal Mint has created two Paddington coins in iconic places in 2018: Paddington at the station was the first coin designed by David Knapton, at the Royal Mint, who got his inspiration from … having loved the Paddington books since a young age. Just like the Queen, Paddington has two birthdays every year, so the Royal Mint decided to design Paddington at Buckingham Palace coins as well!,' according Padddington.com.
Paddington-com
Thanks For Reading!
Read Next