celebrating 85 years of the merrythought 2015 collection ... · celebrating 85 years of the...

Celebrating85 years

of theMerrythought

Teddy Bear

2015 CollectionTraditional &

Limited Edition Teddy Bears

Merrythought Ltd, Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7NJt: 01952 433116 f: 01952 432054 e: [email protected]

www.merrythought.co.uk

www.merrythought.co.uk | 2

Traditional & Limited Edition

1 | www.merrythought.co.uk

Welcome to our 85th anniversary catalogue…

Traditional & Limited Edition

It was in 1930 that our great-grandfather, William Gordon Holmes, decided to diversify from spinning mohair yarn in his Yorkshire mill and make soft toys from this special fleece. He came across a beautiful brick foundry building in the heart of Ironbridge – the home of the Industrial Revolution – which he believed was the perfect location from which to craft the finest teddy bears and animals. With the help of some skilled local seamstresses, Merrythought was born and production went into full swing.

Merrythought’s first collection of toys was designed by Florence Atwood, a talented pattern maker who created some of the company’s most iconic characters. Florence was particularly taken by the personality and expression of dogs, with a Dachshund and Sealyham terrier being two of her very first creations in October 1930. Named ‘Jerry’ and ‘Patch’, both characters featured in Merrythought’s inaugural 1931 brochure alongside an array of other animals and the original ‘Merrythought’ and ‘Magnet’ teddy bears. So successful was this first collection that Merrythought’s beautiful soft toys have continued to delight people across the globe for a further three generations.

Famous Disney characters from the 1960s such as Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Thumper, Lady and the Tramp, Pluto and Donald Duck.

An original Merrythought teddy bear from 1931.

An assortment of beautiful rocking horses including bays, greys and palominos of various sizes.

Whilst Merrythought is world famous for making exquisite teddy bears, since the company’s beginnings in 1930 an array of wonderful toys have been created and enjoyed by people around the world.

Here are just a few of our favourites.

Rideable wheel and ‘push-along’ toys from the 1930s that included a tiger, leopard, polar bear, elephant and zebra, as well as various dogs and horses.

Celebrating85 years

of theMerrythought

Teddy Bear

Highlights from the past 85 years…

85 years on and the Ironbridge factory still remains home to our unique family business, where each Merrythought toy is carefully handmade using the same traditional methods that date back to 1930.

We hope that you enjoy our 2015 Collection of Traditional and Limited Edition Teddy Bears. Each one is lovingly crafted from only the best materials and features the infamous Merrythought label on the right paw pad, signifying that it has been made to the highest possible standard. So whether you’re looking for a teddy bear to remind you of a bygone era, or as a special gift for a loved one, you can be sure that whichever character you choose will become a true lifelong companion.

Sarah and Hannah Holmes

Managing Directors

The official London 2012 Olympic Games teddy bear.

Our very special and highly collectable limited edition 85th Anniversary Teddy Bear.

All sizes are approximate.


TraditionalTraditional

London GoldThis iconic Merrythought teddy bear is a loyal friend for all to enjoy. Each size is made from a soft golden mohair with oak brown wool felt paws and a beautiful scarlet red satin ribbon. An original Merrythought design, London Gold is a perpetual best-seller and the perfect first teddy bear for a child or adult alike.

Available in five sizes.

Certain sizes available with internal ‘growl’ or music box (‘Teddy Bears Picnic’).

GM10LG 10” GM14LG 14”GM16LG 16” GM16LGG 16” GrowlGM16LGM 16” Music BoxGM18LGG 18” GrowlGM21LG 21”• Mohair • 100% wool felt


Traditional Teddy BearsMerrythought’s Traditional collection offers timeless designs of the most beautifully made soft toys. Handmade in England using only premium materials, our traditional teddy bears are fully jointed (unless otherwise stated) and bursting with character, ensuring they become a lifelong companion to those who are lucky enough to own one.


Traditional

WindsorA welcomed new addition to Merrythought’s Traditional range, Windsor is a classically designed teddy bear made from vintage style distressed gold mohair with complementary wool felt paws and a classy aquamarine satin ribbon.

WNG12VG 12” • Mohair • 100% wool felt • Bean-filled

Antique PandaThis charming panda is crafted from contrasting black and rich cream mohair, paired with black wool felt paws and a bottle green satin ribbon.

AP14BC 14” • Mohair • 100% wool felt


Traditional

NewFor

2015

ImprovedDesign

www.merrythought.co.uk | 87 | www.merrythought.co.uk


Binky BunnyBinky is an adorable little bunny made from sparse grey mohair and features a fluffy white mohair bobtail.

Includes luxury gold and black Merrythought gift box.

BBU9 9” (height not including ears)• Mohair • 100% wool felt • Bean-filled

Freddy FoxFreddy is crafted from pure white and copper coloured mohair and proudly displays a wonderful white-tipped ‘brush’ tail.

Includes luxury gold and black Merrythought gift box.

FFU9 9” • Mohair • 100% wool felt

• Bean-filled



London BlondeThis wonderfully cuddly teddy bear is made from beautiful wavy blonde mohair with nut brown wool felt paws and a luscious burgundy satin ribbon.

Available in two sizes.

Larger size (16”) also available with internal ‘growl’.

GM12LB 12” GM16LB 16” GM16LBG 16” Growl• Mohair • 100% wool felt

ImprovedDesign



ShrewsburyShrewsbury is crafted from exceptionally soft, rich gold mohair, complemented with milk chocolate pure wool felt paws and a bottle green satin ribbon. A timeless design with a highly appealing personality, set to rival ‘London Gold’ as Merrythought’s most popular classic teddy bear.

Now available in three sizes.

SHR10SY 10” NEW SIZE

SHR12SY 12”SHR14SY 14”• Mohair • 100% wool felt

ImprovedDesign



OxfordContemporary in design yet traditionally made, Oxford is an endearing fellow created from a silky-soft straw coloured mohair with light brown velvet paws and a soft bean-filled tummy. Finished with a stunning navy blue satin ribbon.


OX10YG 10” OX13YG 13” • Mohair • 100% cotton velvet • Bean-filled


ChesterChester is a truly irresistible character made from wavy smokey grey mohair with wool felt paws. He has little tufty ears and a trimmed muzzle which accentuates his long smiley face. His tummy is softly stuffed with beans, making him especially tactile, and a cream satin ribbon is neatly tied around his neck.


SN10CR 10”SN12CR 12”• Mohair • 100% wool felt • Bean-filled



London Curly GoldA cousin of Merrythought’s ‘London Gold’ teddy bear, this traditional character’s rustic light gold mohair gives him a slightly informal, yet friendly expression. Nut brown wool felt paws and a royal blue satin ribbon are the perfect accompaniment.

Available in three sizes.

Larger size (18”) also available with internal ‘growl’ or music box (‘Teddy Bears Picnic’).

GM10CG 10”GM14CG 14”GM18CG 18”GM18CGG 18” GrowlGM18CGM 18” Music Box• Mohair • 100% wool felt


NewColour



My Merrythought BearThe perfect first Merrythought teddy bear, this friendly chap is crafted from a luxury woven plush and is bean-filled, making him wonderfully cuddly. Featuring the famous Merrythought wishbone embroidered on his wool felt paw, this classic bear is simply finished with a scarlet red satin bow.

This teddy bear is non-jointed.

ACR8MT 8” (sitting)• Luxury woven plush • 100% wool felt • Bean-filled

Traditional CheekyA flagship Merrythought character, the Cheeky Bear continues to be avidly collected across the globe. This traditional version is based on the original 1950s design and features the Cheeky trademark of a jingle bell in each ear. Made from soft golden mohair, a subtle baby blue satin ribbon complements his timeless look.

GT10TC 10” • Mohair • 100% wool felt

• 100% cotton velvet

Celebrating85 years

of theMerrythought

Teddy Bear


Limited Edition


Limited Edition

85th Anniversary Teddy BearMerrythought proudly celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2015, having first opened the famous gates in Ironbridge in 1930. To mark this milestone, the team have designed this gorgeous commemorative teddy bear, presented in a stunning special edition drum box.

85 years signifies a marriage of silver and diamond anniversaries, represented beautifully by the colours of this unique collectors’ piece.

JMG12A85 12” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% silk

Limited Edition Teddy Bears

Each limited edition teddy bear is individually numbered and presented in a luxury gold and black Merrythought gift box.

Alpha Farnell EarnestA wonderfully handsome large teddy bear with all the classic charm one would expect from an original Farnell design. Earnest’s gorgeous cream and chestnut tipped mohair is subtly enhanced by soft velvet paws and deep brown eyes. He is simply finished with a smiley expression and rich cream satin ribbon.

‘Growls’ when tipped.

XAB16EST 16” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% cotton velvet • Internal growl

Merrythought’s Limited Edition designs have been sought after by teddy bear collectors and enthusiasts around the world for many decades.

In celebration of our 85th Anniversary, this 2015 collection offers editions of only 85 pieces, with each fully-jointed teddy bear carefully handcrafted using only the finest bespoke materials.


Limited Edition


Limited Edition

OliviaWith sweet mouse-like features, Olivia is a pocket-sized bear with a real spring in her step. Wearing a floral print pinafore dress, her pretty outfit is completed with a little matching bow stitched neatly to the base of her right ear.

KM7OLA 7” • Limited Edition 85• Alpaca • 100% cotton print • 100% cotton velvet

WilburThis wise old bear could have just emerged from a Victorian toy box. His vintage style mohair is softly paired with pure cotton print paws and a lace trim bow, whilst a neatly hand-trimmed nose accentuates his button eyes and endearing wry smile.

WFL12WB 12” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% cotton print • Bean-filled


Limited Edition


Limited Edition

SimbaSimba the bear cub is a character for all the family to enjoy. He is made from irresistibly soft mohair and has an adorable bobtail peeping out from behind his bean-filled body. With paws reaching out for a hug, this little bear is simply impossible to put down.

BCU10SB 10” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • Bean-filled

FlorisMade from the finest, densely woven pure white mohair, Floris needs nothing more than a powder blue satin bow to complement the pretty blossom flowers embroidered on her left paw.

ABI13FLS 13” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% cotton velvet

RufusA fabulously tactile bear made from luxurious, putty coloured mohair with dark chocolate tip. Shaved paws and muzzle are novel features which, along with a bean-filled tummy, give him an overall softness unlike any other teddy bear in our 2015 collection. Rufus is finished with a simple copper-brown organza bow.

OF13RFS 13” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • Bean-filled


Limited Edition


Limited Edition

Ironbridge Year Bear 2015Our 2015 annual year bear has been created from neutral shades of tightly curled mohair and pure wool felt, with ‘Ironbridge 2015’ embroidered onto the left paw.

MOP10IB15 10” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% wool felt

PiperA cheerful little bear with a pointed muzzle and friendly expression. Piper’s baby pink inner ears and tummy offer a soft contrast to his mink brown mohair, whilst around his neck is a pretty organza and satin double bow.

JR10PR 10” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% wool felt • Bean-filled

Paddy PandaCrafted from soft shades of pearl white and black-flecked grey mohair, this beautiful panda’s beaming smile gives him an incredibly friendly personality. His sand coloured wool felt paws highlight the contrasting colour of his mohair, and ties in perfectly with a coordinating gingham bow.

PPA11PP 11” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% wool felt • Bean-filled


Limited Edition


Limited Edition

MontagueThis splendid teddy bear is reminiscent of the magic shows and ‘big tops’ of yesteryear. Made from a tousled biscuit coloured mohair, he has a wonderfully appealing, yet doleful expression. Around his neck is a rich velvet ruff which pairs beautifully with a traditional clown’s hat, complete with pompoms made from the finest woven faux fur.

Hat and ruff are removable.

PAQ16MQE 16” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% cotton velvet

• 100% wool felt • Faux fur

PipPip is an elegant bear with timeless charm. He is made from distressed, grey flecked mohair and accompanied with milk chocolate wool felt paws and a delightful silver plated bow charm attached on a lilac satin ribbon.

XAB8PIP 8” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% wool felt • Bean-filled

SkyeThis free-standing petite bear resonates with the colour one sees when looking up on a cloudless Summer’s day. He features cream felt paws, a shaved muzzle and is accessorised with an organza bow with satin rose detail.

ZLE7SK 7” • Limited Edition 85• Mohair • 100% wool felt

celebrating 85 years of the merrythought 2015 collection ... · celebrating 85 years of the...

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