Not currently on display at the V&A

MISHA™ BEAR

Character Bear
ca. 1979 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Misha was the mascot of the 1980 Olympic Games held in Moscow. Representing the popular symbol of Russia, the bear, Misha encouraged patriotism and a stronger, friendlier perception of Russia.

Misha was designed by illustrator, Viktor Chizhikov. Popularity of the bear continued after the games and Misha was long considered as a general mascot for Russia.


Object details

Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Mascot Teddy Bear
  • Belt
TitleMISHA™ BEAR (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
fur fabric, moulded plastic, printed card
Brief description
Chad Valley, English, about 1979
Physical description
soft toy with long brown fur on the main body, head and limbs
shorter beige fur used for the tummy and hand pads
shorter white fur used on the snout, inner ears and feet pads
black felt claws
black plastic button nose
eyes of black felt against white plastic
mouth a line of black thread stitches

gold printed label attached at neck
white label attached behind head

fire tested on tummy and left hand pad
Production typemass produced
Marks and inscriptions
28503 (typewritten on white label)
Credit line
Given by the Palitoy Company
Object history
Part of the Palitoy Archive

Full title:- The Official 1980 Moscow Olympic Mascot
Production
As this has been tested it suggests that the bear was made by Chad Valley either just before it merged with Palitoy or just as it became part of Palitoy.

Attribution note: tested sample
Reason For Production: retail
Summary
Misha was the mascot of the 1980 Olympic Games held in Moscow. Representing the popular symbol of Russia, the bear, Misha encouraged patriotism and a stronger, friendlier perception of Russia.

Misha was designed by illustrator, Viktor Chizhikov. Popularity of the bear continued after the games and Misha was long considered as a general mascot for Russia.
Collection
Accession number
B.2595:1,2-1999

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Record createdNovember 6, 2000
Record URL
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