Teddy Bear Christmas

Welcome to the Museum of Childhood

My love for teddy bears began before I can remember. I had a small collection of teddy bears and dolls in my childhood, which unfortunately, were given away (against my wishes). In those days, my mom thought I was too old for dolls and teddy bears. I disagree, you’re never too old for teddy bears. For me they are not only comfort creatures and happy memories, but works of art.

Anyone who has ever been to my house knows I am slightly obsessed with these cuddly creatures. We never outgrow teddy bears, they are friends for life! Many of my bears are handmade by artisans from Canada, USA and Scotland. My favourite bears are made by Steiff, a German company which many believe are the original bears.

You can see my BIGGEST bear here.

Edward

teddies and friends

vintage swing

Tea Party

Angela artist bear

artist bear

artist bear

artist bear

Mercedes

Edmond and Angus

Ashley – GUND artist designed by Rosalie Frischmann

My biggest Steiff bear

Steiff bear bought in NYC

Steiff bears

Lorraine Chien original

Canadian artist bear

Timothy artist bear from Scotland

Teddy Bear Shop – bears NOT for sale

Hansel and Gretel in their German outfits

teddies and friends

Ginger and Nutmeg – artist bears made in Canada

Grenville

Winnie and Piglet

Teddy Bear Tea Party

Brownie – Steiff bear

Dempster is my biggest Lorraine Chien original. He loves to read Winnie the Pooh to the little school boy Edward.

Timothy and Scotty – artist bear made in Scotland

I’ve been collecting teddy bears ever since I supposedly grew up. Some of my collection are artist bears, my favourite artist being Lorraine Chien. I first met her at the One-of-a-Kind Christmas show in Toronto. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of being invited to her home for private shows.

Being at Lorraine’s is magical and transports me to a place of wonder and imagination! It is filled with whimsical dreams and the innocence of childhood fantasies! Lorraine is an amazing artist and captures the heart of playfulness. Her creativity is awe-inspiring!

From the moment I step on the path that Ieads to her front door, the anticipation of the thriII of Christmas overwheIms me! And I feeI Iike a chiId once again! It is like stepping into a storybook where charming characters from every fairy tale come to greet you! I hope my photos have captured some of the essence of Lorraine’s art!

Jonathan gingerly holding a little battered teddy bear that belonged to a German soldier. These were given to the young men (boys really!) going to war. The small, four-leaf clover charm around the bear’s neck, reads “KEHRE WIEDER” – “RETURN AGAIN”.

All through the years, I have opened my home for Teddy Bear Tea Parties and Teddy Bear Christmas, my guests range from ages 3 to 99.

My Teddy bears are hoping hibernation season will soon be over and are longing for spring!

What do you collect?