Dean's Bears |
Dean's Ragbook Co. were established in 1903 and began making teddy bears in 1915, making them the oldest teddy bear manufacturer in Great Britain. Originally producing ragbooks and children's toys they moved into teddy bears during the first world war, filling a space left while toys were not being imported from mainland Europe.
Now the company is focused on their limited edition bears and they boast a collector's club with well over 4,000 members. The bears are highly individual, with many of them artist-designed. Created in mohair with added details of scarves, ribbons and, occasionally, clothes; the ranges include Dean's Apple Pips. These tiny 4 inch tall miniature mohair bears are named after Dean's home county of Herefordshire's famous apples, and are as unique in design and personality as any of their larger cousins.
Dean's Bears are all limited editions from 20 to 100 pieces, making them exclusive and highly sought after by teddy bear collectors.
April 2015. Sadly, Dean's Bears are no longer selling through retailers, so all bears are now retired.