Paddington Bear's swing tag - a little history.

When Michael Bond's first Paddington story 'a bear called Paddington' was released in 1958 we saw Peggy Fortnums beautiful illustration bring our hairy Peruvian friend to life. He arrived at London's Paddington station with a note around his neck put there by his Aunt Lucy that read 'please look after this bear, thank you' 

When Shirley Clarkson first started manufacturing the first official Paddington Bears by Gabrielle they came with a brown paper luggage tag with the words 'please look after this bear' 

Michael Bond suggested that the 'thank you' be added to the design.  

This makes it easy to date a very early Gabrielle Design Paddington Bear  as often they are missing the 'thank you' 

Since the Gabrielle Designs Bears of the 1970's and 80's many versions have of Paddington have been produced and the design of the swing tag has returned to Fortnums fabulous original imagining. 

Rainbow Designs  'traditional' Paddington bear

In the recent Paddington movie we see Aunt Lucy lovingly giving our hero his tag which ensures that the Browns eventually take him in. 

The swing tag is such a big part of Paddington's overall look, but all too often the original tag has become battered or lost. You can replace your bear's tag with this official exclusive leather replica from The Paddington Collective. 

Also available are these lovely luggage labels that can be used for travel as they have a plastic pocket for your details  

thanks for checking out this little tale, we hope you like the tags exclusive to us here at 

http://thepaddingtoncollective.squarespace.com/exclusive-to-the-paddington-collective

cheers