Shropshire Merrythought bear stars on new stamp

Royal Mail today revealed that the Merrythought Bear will be included in a new stamp issue featuring much-loved British toys from the last 100 years.

The other toys featured in the set are: the Sindy Doll; Spirograph; Stickle Bricks; W.Britan Toy Figures; Space Hopper; Fuzzy Felt; Meccano; Action Man and Hornby Dublo trains.

Merrythought’s teddy bears have been hand-crafted in Ironbridge, Shropshire since 1930.

Founder of the company, Gordon Holmes, was the owner of a spinning mill in Yorkshire when he realised the possibilities of using mohair – the fleece of the Angora goat – in the production of soft toys. In 1931, the first catalogue revealed an eclectic range of 32 soft toys, including the original Merrythought teddy bear, whose patterns many of today's designs are still based upon.

Director Sarah Holmes, great-granddaughter of the founder, said she was delighted that Merrythought is being celebrated as an iconic toy brand.

“We feel so honoured to have been chosen to be part of such an iconic stamp collection. We are incredibly proud of our British heritage and the impact Merrythought has had on the British toy industry.”

“The teddy bear remains a toy that is loved and cherished by children and adults alike, and we are very lucky to manufacture such a special handmade toy.”

The quality of Merrythought toys soon attracted high-end retailers such as Harrods.

The company has continued to produce the finest soft toys in a variety of shapes and sizes for more than 85 years, appealing to children and adults of all ages.