LONDON.- Paddington: The Story of a Bear (9 July – 31 October 2021) is a new family-friendly exhibition celebrating one of the world’s most beloved fictional bears over 60 years on from when he was first published by HarperCollins Children’s Books in 1958.

Opening to the public today, visitors will journey through Paddington’s creation and arrival in the UK from Peru, finding a home with a new family, and his exciting adventures in London and beyond. The exhibition will also explore how author Michael Bond took inspiration from his own life and family in creating Paddington.

The exhibition has activities for visitors to practise their hard stares, take their own self ‘pawtrait’ and follow the trail of marmalade left by Paddington, as well as a special printed guide for families. Two local primary schools in Camden – Argyle Primary School and Edith Neville Primary School – have been working with the Library since November 2020 to create new content for display in the exhibition for all visitors to enjoy.

Paddington is a timeless and universal story of desire for home, acceptance and a sense of belonging, which appeals to all ages. Featuring books, documents, film clips and original illustrations, highlights include:

• First edition of A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond given to his parents, illustrated by Peggy Fortnum, published by HarperCollins Publishers in 1958

• The original review of A Bear called Paddington by Barbara Ker Wilson, 1958




• A selection of memorabilia owned by Michael Bond on loan from his family, including Bond’s typewriter used in the 1960s

• Clips from some of the film and TV adaptations and a sound recording of Bond talking about the process of creating Paddington’s stories

• Original illustrations of Paddington stories by artists including Peggy Fortnum, David McKee and R.W. Alley.

Alison Bailey, lead curator of Paddington: The Story of a Bear said: “Paddington: The Story of a Bear is a fun, family-friendly exhibition recalling the many faces of Paddington we’ve come to know and love in original artwork, books, and scenes from TV and film adaptations. This exhibition reminds us why, over 60 years on from his creation, Paddington still resonates with people of all ages, wherever they are in the world. We hope visitors enjoy following this loveable bear on his adventures and discovering his stories.”

Sophie Kopaczynski, CEO at Copyrights Group said: “As Paddington brand owners we are delighted to be working with the British Library on this fantastic exhibition.

The exhibition invites families and fans - old and new - into the world of Paddington, full of adventure and kindness, through a wide variety of mediums, books to original artworks, letters to objects, film footage to exclusive TV clips.

It is always a pleasure to be able to introduce Paddington to a new audience and to offer new and exciting content for existing fans.”