Paddington Bear is a fictional character in children’s literature. He first appeared on 13 October 1958 and was subsequently featured in more than twenty books written by Michael Bond [ 1 ] and first illustrated by Peggy Fortnum. The friendly bear from deepest, darkest Peru —with his old hat, battered suitcase (complete with a secret compartment, enabling it to hold more items than it would at first appear), duffle coat and love of marmalade —has become a classic character from English children’s literature. [ 2 ] Paddington books have been translated into 30 languages across 70 titles and sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.

§ Stuffed toy [ edit ]

Paddington Station — Paddington Bear stuffed toys at sale

The first Paddington Bear stuffed toy to be manufactured was created in 1972 by Gabrielle Designs, a small business run by Shirley and Eddie Clarkson, with the prototype made as a Christmas present for their children Joanna and Jeremy Clarkson (who later became a well-known British TV presenter, becoming a host on the motoring show Top Gear, and writer). Shirley Clarkson dressed the stuffed bear in Wellington boots to help it stand upright. (Paddington received wellingtons for Christmas in Paddington Marches On. 1964.) The earliest bears wore small children’s boots manufactured by Dunlop Rubber until production could not meet demand. Gabrielle Designs then produced their own boots with paw prints moulded into the soles.

Shirley Clarkson’s book [ 5 ] describes the evolution of the toy Paddington from Christmas gift to subject of litigation and ultimately commercial success.

§ Storyline [ edit ]

In the first story, Paddington is found at Paddington Railway Station in London by the Brown family, sitting on his suitcase (bearing the label Wanted on Voyage) with a note attached to his coat that reads Please look after this bear. Thank you. Bond has said that his memories of newsreels showing trainloads of child evacuees leaving London during WWII. with labels around their necks and their possessions in small suitcases, prompted him to do the same for Paddington. [ 6 ]

Paddington arrives as a stowaway coming from Darkest Peru, sent by his Aunt Lucy (one of his only known relatives aside from an Uncle Pastuzo who gave Paddington his hat) [ 7 ] who has gone to live in the Home for Retired Bears in Lima. He claims, I came all the way in a lifeboat, and ate marmalade. Bears like marmalade. He tells them that no-one can understand his Peruvian name, so the Browns decide to call him Paddington after the railway station in which he was found. Paddington’s Peruvian name is ultimately revealed to be Pastuso [ 8 ] (not to be confused with his Uncle Pastuzo). Bond originally wanted Paddington to have travelled all the way from darkest Africa, but his agent advised him that there were no bears in darkest Africa, and thus it was amended to darkest Peru, home of the Spectacled Bear. [ 9 ]

They take him home to 32 Windsor Gardens, off Harrow Road between Notting Hill and Maida Vale (there is no number 32 in the real Windsor Gardens). Paddington frequents the nearby Portobello Road markets, where he is respected by the shopkeepers for driving a hard bargain. When he gets annoyed with someone, he often gives the person one of his special hard stares (taught to him by Aunt Lucy), which causes the person to become flushed and embarrassed. Paddington’s adventures usually rise from him misunderstanding something and trying to right (what he perceives to be) unfair or unjust situations. This typically ends with him messing things up in some way. But in all his adventures he ends up on top and everyone involved can laugh about it. (A notable exception to this rule is the Brown’s next-door neighbour Mr. Curry, who in every adventure he is in always ends up in trouble.)

The stories follow Paddington’s adventures and mishaps in England, along with some snippets of information about his past. For instance, in one story we learn that Paddington was orphaned in an earthquake, [ 8 ] before being taken in and raised by his Aunt Lucy.

§ Characters [ edit ]

There is a recurring cast of characters, all of whom are in some way entangled in Paddington’s misadventures. These include:

• Mr. Henry Brown. A hapless but well-meaning City of London worker.
• Mrs. Mary Brown. Mr Brown’s more serious-minded yet equally friendly wife.
• Jonathan and Judy. The energetic and friendly Brown children. It is never established if one is older than the other, leading to the possibility that they are twins. It is when they are meeting Jonathan and Judy off the train from boarding school that the Browns meet Paddington.
• Mrs. Bird. The Browns’ strict but kindly nanny and housekeeper. Though she is often annoyed by Paddington’s mishaps, she is protective of him. Her first name has never been mentioned.
• Mr. Samuel Gruber. The friendly owner of an antique shop on the Portobello Road. with whom Paddington has his elevenses every day. He regularly takes Paddington and the Brown children on outings. He is a Hungarian immigrant. He addresses Paddington as Mr Brown.
• Mr. Reginald Curry. The Browns’ mean and bad-tempered next-door neighbour, who serves as a contrast to Mr Gruber. He addresses Paddington simply as Bear! Penny-pinching by nature, Mr Curry always wants something for nothing and often persuades Paddington to run errands for him. He tends to invite himself to many of the Browns’ special occasions just to sample the snacks. In most of the stories, he gets his comeuppance as a frequent victim of Paddington’s misadventures; however, he does sometimes benefit from Paddington’s mistakes and has even rewarded him for them on occasion.
• Aunt Lucy. Paddington’s aunt from South America. She was his former legal guardian up until she had to move into the Home for Retired Bears in Lima. Peru. Why she had to do this was never made clear, as she is shown to be of sound mind and body during her visits to England.
• Uncle Pastuzo. Paddington’s wealthy globe-trotting uncle.

§ Books [ edit ]

The first book, A Bear Called Paddington. was published in 1958. Although the books are divided into chapters and each book has a time frame, the stories all work as stand alone stories, and many of them were used like this in the TV series. In order of publication the titles are: [ 10 ]

A Bear Called Paddington (1958)

The stories in the first book in the series are:

• Please Look After This Bear – The Browns first meet Paddington at Paddington station.
• A Bear in Hot Water – Paddington’s first attempt at having a bath is a disaster.
• Paddington Goes Underground – Paddington’s first journey on the Underground causes chaos.
• A Shopping Expedition – Paddington gets lost during a shopping trip.
• Paddington and The Old Master – This story introduces Mr Gruber. After hearing Mr Gruber talk about painting, Paddington decides to try his hand at it himself.
• A Visit To the Theatre – Paddington goes to see a play with the Browns.
• Adventure at the Seaside – Paddington takes part in a sandcastle competition.
• A Disappearing Trick – Paddington receives a magic set for his first birthday with the Browns. This story introduces Mr Curry.

More About Paddington (1959)

The stories in the second book in the series are:

• A Family Group – Paddington takes a family photo of the Browns.
• A Spot of Decorating – Paddington tries to help Mr Brown by decorating his room whilst the family are out.
• Paddington Turns Detective – Paddington investigates the disappearance of Mr Brown’s prize marrow .
• Paddington and the Bonfire – The Browns hold a bonfire party at No. 32 Windsor Gardens.
• Trouble at No.32 – Paddington catches a nasty chill when a winter prank goes disastrously wrong.
• Paddington and the Christmas Shopping – Paddington buys presents for the Brown family.
• Christmas – Paddington enjoys his first Christmas with the Browns

Paddington Helps Out (1960)

The stories in the third book in the series are:

• A Picnic On The River – Paddington gets more than he bargained for when the Browns hire a boat for a day on the river.
• Paddington Makes A Bid – Mr Gruber takes Paddington to an auction sale.
• Paddington and Do It Yourself – After reading a DIY magazine, Paddington tries to make presents for Mr Brown and (reluctantly) Mr Curry.
• A Visit To The Cinema – The Browns go to see a cowboy film. When the special attraction is cancelled, Paddington comes to the rescue.
• Something Nasty in the Kitchen – With Mr and Mrs Brown sick in bed and the rest of the family out of the house, Paddington prepares dinner.
• Trouble At The Launderette – A reluctant Paddington takes Mr Curry’s laundry to be cleaned.
• Paddington Dines Out – The Browns organise a special meal for Paddington’s birthday.

Paddington Abroad (1961)

The stories in the fourth book in the series are:

• Paddington Prepares – Mr Brown announces a holiday in France.
• A Visit to the Bank – A misunderstanding causes uproar at the bank.
• Trouble at the Airport – Airport officials suspect Paddington is travelling without a passport.
• Paddington Saves the Day – The Browns’ car gets a puncture and Mr Brown organises an al-fresco meal.
• Paddington and the Pardon – Paddington takes part in a local festival.
• A Spot of Fishing – The Browns and Paddington go on a fishing trip and get marooned.
• Paddington Takes to the Road – Paddington participates in the Tour de France .

Paddington at Large (1962)

The stories in the fifth book in the series are:

• Paddington Breaks the Peace — Paddington causes chaos trying to mow Mr Curry’s lawn.
• Mr Gruber’s Outing — Mr Gruber takes Paddington, Judy and Jonathan to the park.
• Goings-On at Number Thirty-two — Paddington mistakes a man installing the Browns’ new television for a burglar.
• Paddington Hits the Jackpot — Paddington wins a TV quiz show.
• A Sticky Time — Paddington tries to make toffee.
• Trouble in the Bargain Basement — Paddington goes Christmas shopping.
• Paddington and the Christmas Pantomime — Paddington helps out at a local panto.

Paddington Marches On (1964) [ 11 ]

• Paddington and the Cold Snap — Paddington tries to defrost Mr Curry’s pipes.
• A Most Unusual Ceremony — Paddington is invited to a ceremony at a marmalade factory.
• Paddington Makes a Clean Sweep — Paddington makes a mess cleaning the chimney.
• Mr Gruber′s Mystery Tour — Paddington and Mr Gruber go on a mystery tour of London.
• Paddington Saves the Day — Paddington plays cricket.
• A Day by the Sea — Paddington and the Browns go to the seaside.
• An Unexpected Party — The Browns celebrate Paddington’s (temporary) return to Peru with a farewell party.

Paddington at Work (1966) [ 12 ]

• A Bear at Sea
• Anchors Away
• Paddington Buys a Share
• A Visit to the Stock Exchange
• Paddington in a Hole
• Too Much off the Top
• Paddington Steps Out

Paddington Goes to Town (1968) [ 13 ]

• A Day to Remember
• Paddington Hits Out
• A Visit to the Hospital
• Paddington Finds a Cure
• Paddington and the Finishing Touch
• Everything Comes to Those Who Wait
• Paddington Goes to Town

Paddington Takes the Air (1970) [ 14 ]

• A Visit to the Dentist
• A Stitch in Time
• Riding High
• Paddington Strikes a Bargain
• The Case of the Doubtful Dummy
• Paddington Recommended
• The Last Dance

Paddington’s Garden (1972)

Paddington’s Blue Peter Story Book (1973)

Paddington on Top (1974) [ 15 ]

• Paddington Goes to School
• Paddington Cleans Up
• Paddington Goes to Court
• A Birthday Treat
• Keeping Fit
• Paddington in Touch
• Comings and Goings at Number Thirty-two

Paddington at the Tower (1975)

Paddington Takes the Test (1979) [ 16 ]

• Paddington at the Wheel — Mr Brown has been ordered to re-take his driving test after a minor accident, but a series of misunderstandings leads to Paddington ending up behind the wheel instead.
• In and Out of Trouble — A reluctant Paddington is roped in to test Mr Curry’s new hammock.
• Paddington and the Stately Home — Mr. Gruber takes Paddington, Jonathan and Judy to visit a stately home.
• Paddington and Bob-a-Job — Paddington takes part in the local scouts’ bob-a-job week.
• Paddington Gets a Rise — Paddington tries to make money to buy Mr Brown a birthday present.
• Mr Curry Lets Off Steam — Mr Curry bags himself a free go at Mr Brown’s new sauna bath, but lives to regret it.
• Pantomime Time — The Browns and Mr Gruber enjoy a Christmas treat.

Paddington on Screen (1980)

Paddington at the Zoo (1984)

Paddington and the Knickerbocker Rainbow (1985)

Paddington at the Palace (1986)

Paddington in the Garden (2002)

Paddington and the Grand Tour (2003)

Paddington Here and Now (2008)

Paddington at the Tower (2011)

Paddington Races Ahead (2012)

§ Special publications [ edit ]

§ Blue Peter and beyond [ edit ]