Not currently on display at the V&A

Teddy Bear

1930s (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The embroidered label on the bear's foot reads "Farnell's Alpha Toys made in England". The Farnell company registered the Alpha trademark in 1925. In 1929 it introduced its Silkalite range of bears made from articifial silk plush. The bear is an example of this type. It is stuffed with very light material. It is surprisingy that a bear of this date should survive in such good condition. It must have been very well looked after.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Stuffed and sewn artificial plush
Brief description
Blue and white artificial mohair plush teddy bear made in England by Farnell in the 1930s
Physical description
Artificial silk plush unjointed teddy bear with clear glass eyes and black wool stitched nose and mouth. The head and body are predominantly a powder blue colour while the legs and arms are white. The muzzle and inner ears are also white and there are two white pom poms sewn over the body's centre seam. There is a label on the left foot. Wire stiffeners have been used in the arms to hold them upright. There is only a little stuffing at the tops of the legs so they do bend and bear can sit down. The bear is very firmly stuffed with light material and has a non-operative squeaker in its middle.
Dimensions
  • Height standing height: 46cm (Maximum)
  • Width: 40cm (Maximum)
  • Depth: 13cm (Maximum)
Measured by conservation
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
FARNELLS / ALPHA TOYS / MADE IN ENGLAND (Label; on left foot; embroidery; thread)
Credit line
Given by Margaret Amos
Object history
One of Farnell's Silkalite range of teddy bears first introduced in 1929
Production
Reason For Production: Retail
Summary
The embroidered label on the bear's foot reads "Farnell's Alpha Toys made in England". The Farnell company registered the Alpha trademark in 1925. In 1929 it introduced its Silkalite range of bears made from articifial silk plush. The bear is an example of this type. It is stuffed with very light material. It is surprisingy that a bear of this date should survive in such good condition. It must have been very well looked after.
Collection
Accession number
B.21-2003

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Record createdOctober 31, 2003
Record URL
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