Merrythought Hampton Teddy Bear - 1995/96 Collectors Club Bear - 40cm

In 1995, Merrythought launched their International Collectors Club, which ran until 2005, in response to the growing interest in teddy bear collecting. Being a part of the club meant exclusive access to special limited edition bears with unique designs that weren't available to the general public. In order to promote these wonderful bears and encourage valued customers to join the club, we received the annual year bear to display proudly during each club year and have since kept them safely stored in their original boxes. In Merrythought's 95th anniversary year, it seems fitting to let these gorgeous, traditional bears find their forever homes in celebration of the momentous occasion!

The first Merrythought Club teddy bear, from 1995, is this handsome Hampton bear, crafted from a beautifully dense rose-brown coloured mohair fabric. He features pale champagne coloured fabrics paws, with a subtle sheen and special stitched toes, a shapely black hand-stitched nose that sits on his kind, characterful muzzle and a gentle tilt growler. On his right paw is an embroidered Merrythought collectors club label, featuring two bears holding a globe with their signature wishbone on top. This also decorates his linen scarf and is made from fabric to match his paws.

Hampton is the number 57 of an individually numbered open edition exclusive to club members during the 1995-96 club year and he comes with his original blue box and paper tag on his left ear. 

• Size: 40cm / 16 inches
• 5-way jointed
• Age: 14+
• Surface washable

Merrythought has been hand-making the quintessential English teddy bear in the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, Shropshire, since 1930 and is now the last remaining British teddy bear manufacturer. The company is a fourth generation family business founded by Mr W.G Holmes. Famous for crafting the finest, jointed, mohair teddy bears adored by children and adults across the world; every one of their enchanting bears is lovingly brought to life by hand, giving them a unique character and superior quality that can last a lifetime. The range includes traditional and limited edition teddy bears, as well as their iconic Cheeky and Punkie bears. Merrythought teddy bears have universal appeal making them the perfect gift for christenings, weddings or birthdays, as well as for collectors.