Paddington Bear came from Peru but was left behind lost at Paddington Station London presumably originally en route for Heathrow Airport. He was found by Mr and Mrs Brown and the rest is history. More information
In fact a bear bought at Selfridges Store in Oxford Street by Mrs Brenda Bond became the inspiration for Mr Michael Bond to write the stories. These were first published in October 1958 by William Collins with illustrations by Peggy Fortnum.
There have been books, Cartoon strips, Radio programmes, animated films on TV and now a full length movie film. More Information
Paddington Bear is a star. Surely even Isambard Kingdom Brunel would have approved, by the way he built the Station and the Railway.
The first soft toy Paddington bear was designed by Shirley Clarkson for her children one of whom was to become the 'controversial' motoring correspondent Jeremy Clarkson..She was granted an official licence in 1972.
Selfridges opened a Paddington Bear Shop on October 20th 2014.
A trail of 50 Statues of Paddington Bear were set up around London and in particular Paddington Station ahead of the film launch. More Information
An Exhibition on the history of Paddington Bear has been opened since November 14th 2014 at the Museum of London. More information